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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 12 inches 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

14 Apr 19, Rob (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Do carrots need a lot of sun
09 May 19, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Looks like NZ cool/mountain climate zone doesn't work for carrots. Try the aussie cool zone for carrots. Plants need sunlight 6-8 hours generally.
17 Apr 21, Michael (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I find that difficult to believe given that all of the commercial carrot growing in the North Island is done in the volcanic plateau around Ohakune and Rataehi.
09 Apr 19, Rae Rakute (Australia - tropical climate)
Carrots are good to grow throughout Summer , Autumn , Spring.
02 Feb 19, Anne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
can i still grow carrot seeds now early February thanks
31 Jan 19, Stephen Meiklejohn (Australia - temperate climate)
My carrots have hard core and it is a different colour to the outer flesh
04 Dec 18, Tessa (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi there. Rotating ctops is always a good idea to prevent build-up of pests and predatory fungi/bacteria in the soil. And alfalfa, comfrey (non-invasive varieties) and parsley are great for replenishing the soil. But I suspect in this case it's to avoid any carrot fly maggots that may still be present in the soil. Whatever cover you use needs to be weighed down at the edges to prevent access by the fly for laying eggs.
06 Nov 18, janico (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Must you trim the leaves regularly to promote growth or do you leave as is
01 Nov 18, Colin Low (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had trouble growing carrots and I think now because of the chicken & cow manure is too acid. I have limed the area where this year's crop will be tried & my question is "How long do I need to wait before planting the seed? cheers Colin
01 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Your main problem was probably the addition of the manures. Carrots do not need or like a rich soil (N) - it produces too much leaf. Carrots prefer a loose loam kind of soil - as in not heavy clay. A loose soil that is crumbly. If adding compost/manures do it months before planting carrots or grow something else before planting the carrots. A couple of weeks should be sufficient with the lime - mix it in well and water it and turn it over once or twice. Plant carrots thinly - can use a small salt shaker with some sand mixed with the seeds.
Showing 91 - 100 of 371 comments

Anything planted in hot to extremely hot needs protection from the sun/heat. Very small seeds are planted very shallow. With hot temps the top few mm of soil dries out very quickly. Very hard to germinate when the soil is very hot/dry some of the day then wet from watering. Try to keep the soil temp as constant as possible and moist. I use a 1.8mx1.8mx.5m high wood frame with shade cloth on it. I have 30%, 70% and 90% shade cloth.

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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.
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