Carrots are a very popular vegetable. Many people like them and eat them in a variety of ways. These are the best tips and information for planting and growing carrots in your garden and greenhouse.
Botanical Information: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Quick Facts: The carrot is a root vegetable, most commonly observed as orange in color, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist, all of which are domesticated forms of the wild carrots.
Varieties:
Danvers – When most people think of a carrot, this is the type that they visualize. …
Nantes – This type is almost perfectly cylindrical; it’s round at the tip and top. …
Ball or Mini – This grouping includes varieties that are shaped like radishes or are miniature.
Starting:
It is suggested to plant carrot seeds directly in the ground, because carrot seeds don’t transfer well. They can sprout within 14-21 days.
Spacing:
Plant carrot seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Later in the spring, thin carrot plants to 2-3 inches apart in rows 16-24 inches apart.
Companions and Enemies
Many plants can help carrots flourish. This includes radishes, leeks, rosemary and onions.
There are some plants, though, that don’t help carrots grow. This is Dill, fennel and parsnips.
Watering :
Like most vegetables, growing carrots need a minimum of 1 inch of water every week.
Light:
Carrots are a full-sun plant. While they tolerate partial shade, carrots require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight during the day.
Pollination:
Carrot flowers are perfect but do not self-pollinate; they rely on insect visits for seed set. This means if you are planting in a greenhouse, you must pollinate the plants manually.
Common Problems
There are a few problems that carrot plants can suffer from. The most common are:
Failed Germination
Twisted Roots
Split or Cracked Roots
Woody, Bitter Roots
Stunted Roots
Harvesting
Carrots should be ready for harvest about 60-80 days after sowing seeds, depending on the variety. The tops of the carrot roots will be about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter and likely starting to pop out of the soil, though not necessarily.
Storing & Preparing
Carrots can survive in cool, dark temperatures for 4-6 months. This includes the fridge.
Carrots are a very versatile food. They are delicious raw as a snack or in a salad. They also make a great addition to soups, pastas, stir fry, and other delicious dishes. They are also delicious as a roasted side dish.
Planting and Growing Carrots can be easy with these tips.
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