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

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12 Apr 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is best to separate the seeds straight away after germination
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11 Apr 11, Donna (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted carrots a couple of weeks ago and they have germinated successfully and started to sprout, however, I have a few that are too close together. Rather than pull any out, is it possible to wait until they get to a certain size and then transplant them to a different area of my garden (as if they were a seedling). And if so, at what stage can I do that (ie. when they are how many centimetres tall)?
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14 Jul 15, Dianne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I too have just discovered that my carrots are too close. I got them as seedlings, I thought they were single as I planted but no. I have heaps of foliage but I dug one up to check and found there were 3 close together and only about a couple of inches. I suspect the others to be the same. I planted them end of June. This is my first time growing veggies. I have health issues and do not work. I pray that all the money I have spent and energy isn't in vain. I have broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries and Papaya growing. The only one that seems to be doing well without problems is the broccoli. Plenty of foliage am waiting for the flowers. I bought good garden soil. Please help me are my carrots done for?
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06 Jul 15, Ron (Australia - temperate climate)
Suggestions are that you CUT off the one you don't want, DO NOT disturb others around it.
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14 Apr 11, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
From what i have read you will end up with forked roots if you move them, just eat the whole thing in a salad when they are young and tender!
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10 Apr 11, Corinne (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a question: I've been growing carrots quite successfully but the last crop was eaten by something. I came out one morning to find the tops wilted and falling over. When I touched a plant I discovered it had been eaten from under the soil. Any ideas as to what that may have been?
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05 Jun 11, Joe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Dear Corrine, A little unsure but led to believe the culprit maybe cutworm, it is hard to find. Check your local nursey or agricultural supplier for a chemical remedy. Hope this helps.
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25 Mar 11, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to grow carrots and swede in tubs, what sort of soil/compost mixture is best?
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24 Mar 11, Harveen (Australia - temperate climate)
i am used to carrots, in a deeper red color much much more juicy, what variety is that? is it available in melbourne? is it heirloom carrots, available here?
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30 Jan 12, Alexis (Australia - temperate climate)
Purple dragon? You can buy seeds at thediggersclub dot com dot au
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Showing 281 - 290 of 371 comments
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Carrots: -- Germination minimum temp is 2c: optimum germination temp is 10c to 25c (the temperatures must be sustained). Seeds germinate over a 2-week period -- if crust forms on the top of the soil, germination will be restricted. *********** Optimum growing temps : 15C to 20C , with a minimum of 5C and a maximum of 24C Outside of the growing range (less than 5c or more than 24c) the carrot goes into "dormancy/holding pattern" with extreme temps killing the carrot. ********* Average days to harvest for carrots is 60 to 80 days. The days to harvest are calculated based on ideal growing conditions (temperatures/sunshine/water). *************** Having lived in your area MANY years ago – I can recall – and checked with environment Canada – Based on last year’s temp – June was a good month to start planting carrots – and September had decent carrot growing temps – as did the first week of October. I would plant carrots in semi-shade as Stoney Creek can get VERY HOT in mid-summer – and this is a problem for carrots that don’t like temps over 24c. ********* So, what I see is a total of 129 days of good carrot growing weather (June 01 – to the first week in October). You need 2 weeks for germination and depending on the type of carrot about 80 days to harvest: total of 94 days. If you plant starting June 01 – you can plant carrots every couple of weeks until around July 5th (07/05 plus 95 days yields a date in the first week in October). If you want to do only 2 plantings – then I would plant on June 01, and again the last week of June. This is based on 80 days to harvest – if you have carrots with a higher number of days to germination and/or days to harvest (like dragon carrots that take 90 days) – adjust accordingly. You need your last harvest in by the first week in October so count backward to find your last planting date. Bolero Nantes have the following stats: Germination 10 - 20 days and days to harvest 70. The site indicates that your last planting should be 3 months before your first expected frost date -- and it looks like your first expected frost date is October 15 -- which yields a last planting date of: July 15th which is a couple of weeks later than what I have calculated .... remember that Nobody can guarantee what your weather will be ..... when it comes to your last planting, I would error to the side of planting a little early -- and I would feel a little bit short on time with a July 15th planting...but I have heard of people planting later and doing just fine.

- Celeste Archer

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