Growing Carrot

Daucus carota : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P P P          

(Best months for growing Carrot in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Leeks, Lettuce, Sage, Peas, Radishes, Tomatoes, Beans, Celery, Rosemary
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsnips, Beetroot, Dill, Brassicas, Fennel

Your comments and tips

04 Nov 12, Lee (Australia - temperate climate)
Are carrots growing above the ground and green toxic like potatoes?
19 Feb 13, seko (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, you just cut off the green part, everything below is fine.
31 Oct 12, Barry Brown (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted carrot seedlings ,they're growing very well by all indictions of the tops.They have been in for about 4 weeks now,what fertiliser should I use so that the tops don't grow excessively with smaller carrots down in the soil.?
01 Nov 12, ray (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
You shouldnt use a fertaliser on your carrots as it will cause it to split so it looks like it has legs, just make sure that they have plenty of water to prevent them from plitting and going woody
23 Oct 12, peter merriman (Australia - temperate climate)
why put a board over a row of carrots
08 Mar 14, Alistair George (Australia - temperate climate)
I always use sacking on my carrots, I broadcast the seed rather than in drills that way I never have to thin .Keep the sacking wet until germination
23 Oct 12, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The idea is to retain moisture while the seeds are germinating
26 Oct 12, peter merriman (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for that Liz, I also found out that watering runs off the side of the board and not directly onto the seeds.
24 Mar 13, Ian (Australia - temperate climate)
HI Peter... anything that can act as a heavy mulch to keep the ground moist should do. Hessian bags are great as they can retain moisture themselves and keep the soil underneath moist as well. You can take them off every now and again to check on the progress of your seed(ling)s.
02 Oct 12, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a lovely crop of carrots when I picked a couple last night one was only small and the other one was a good size about 15cm but both very pal orange and when I cut them they had a large pal green area in the middle and they tasted bitter as if not yet ready. Does anyone know why they are not sweet and bright orange.
Showing 231 - 240 of 367 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Carrot

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.