Carrots are a cold weather crop planted early spring as a annual. These veggies can grow in most climates, are self-propagating root vegetables. Carrots as we know them today originated in Central Asia about 1000 years ago. Cultivated from wild carrots which are biennials that grow forked tap roots that vary in color. Carrots were introduced to the world like many other vegetables, making it to the new world in the 1600s. Today many countries grow carrots, China is a the top of the list with 21,482,971 tons grown in 2020. Modern carrots come in all shapes, colors, and sizes with a single tap root. The orange carrot was created by selective breeding. The orange variety has a sweeter taste and stands out more to customers.
Plant and go
Botanical Name: Daucus carota
| Depth: 1/4 in | Spacing: 2-3 in | Row: 12-18 in | Temp: 40-80F |
| Germ: 14-21 days | Sun: Full/ 6-10 hrs. | pH: 6.0-7.0 | Harvest: 75 days. |
| Soil: well drained/moist | Container: 6x12 | Fertilizer: 5-15-15 | Fert Freq: Every 3-4 wks |
Companion plant: Chives
Details
Pick the variety you wish to grow and prepare the soil. Carrots can be grown in containers or direct sown, it’s recommended to not transplant carrots they don’t like having their roots messed with. The key is loose soil that is well drained. For direct sowing loosen the soil down to 10-12 inches deep, clear rocks, clumps, and other natural obstructions. Mix in compose or preferred Fertilizer and back fill until your ready to sow. Sow 2-3 weeks before last frost ¼ inch deep. Space goal is 2-3 inches once thinned, rows 10-12 inches. Germination takes about 14-21 days. Carrots like cooler temperatures when growing. They can tolerate a wide temperatures range 40-80F. Seeds and plants do best in 55-65F. Carrots like Full sun for 6-10 hours a day. High temperatures will hinder growth. Thin seedlings when they are about 4in tall to a thumb width distance, progressively thinning until 2-3 inch Spacing is reached. Carrots like well drained soil water 1-2 inches per week. Fertilize with a 5-15-15 mix 5-6 weeks after sowing seeds. Carrots are relatively low maintenance, but particularly about the temperatures. Watch and wait til it’s time to harvest. Don’t for get the mulch.
Harvest
Carrots should be ready for harvest 60-80 days after sowing. You’ll know carrots are ready to harvest if the carrots is protruding out of the soil slightly, this is rare. The body of the carrot should have a vibrant color, and be ¾ to 1 inch in diameter. Note if you leave carrots in the ground for too long they can split and have a bitter taste to them. If pulled to early they many have a bland taste. Don’t pull that carrots out of the ground even though it looks cool, either dig up or use a garden fork. Once pull carrots can’t go back into the ground so don’t rush harvesting your new crop. After that clean and store properly.
Tip
-Leave a few carrots in the ground to let the plant bloom. You can collect the seed and plant those next season.
-Growing time is short with carrots if timed right you could succession plant for harvests to winter.
Fun fact
The world’s largest carrot is 22.44 pounds grown by Christopher Qualley of Otsego, MN
Conclusion
Carrots are a interesting way to start growing if you’re a beginner to try. They are easy enough to grow and require only a little bit of research you might get your first freshly grown carrots in a few months.