GROWING CARROTS

Growing Carrots
Submitted by Gregg Banse on August 19, 2005 - 2:41pm. Growing Vegetables
Family: Umbelliferae
Genus and Species: Dacus carota

Climate
Carrots are relatively tolerant of a wide variety of temperatures but prefer cooler growing conditions. Carrots are hardy and can be planted in the garden as soon as the soil can be prepared in the spring.

Seed Sources:

Thompson & Morgan Seeds
Carrots require relatively large amounts of moisture and are not tolerant of drought. Prolonged hot weather in the later stages of development may not only retard carrot growth but may result in an undesirable strong flavor and coarseness in the roots.

At the other extreme, carrots exposed to prolonged temperatures below 55°F tend to grow longer roots and become more slender and paler in color than expected. The ideal air temperature for carrots is between 60°F-70°F.

Soil
Carrots prefer a deep well drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Root crops in general do not grow well in acidic soils. Soil should be loose to a depth of 12" or more to allow for good root development.Carrots are a root crop and grow downwards and therefore soil preparation is very important. Soils may be bedded (formed into a raised bed) to obtain optimum drainage, maximum root length and smoothness, and to reduce soil compaction.

Do not add compost or manure to the carrot beds prior to planting unless it is very well decomposed, as too much nitrogen will encourage roughness and branching. Make sure soils are free of debris such as rocks and twigs. Smooth carrot beds before planting.

Spacing
Carrots are relatively compact vegetables that do not require much space. Spacing is dependent upon cultivar and desired root size at time of harvest. Carrots benefit from adequate space and when crowded are sure to grow deformed roots. If you're planning on harvesting carrots with immature roots (baby carrots) then a tighter spacing of 3/4"-2" should be fine but if you intend to let the carrots grow to maturity, thinning to a final spacing of 2"-4" is the goal.

Direct Seeding
A well-prepared seedbed with adequate moisture is a must for direct seeded carrots. Sow carrot seeds 1/4"-1/2" deep, 3/4"-1" apart, within 2" rows spaced 16"-24" apart. Sprinkle the soil with water but do not allow the soil to form a crust before the seedlings emerge. Thin carrots at about 3 weeks to a spacing of between 3/4"-4" depending upon cultivar and root size desired.

Sow carrots as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow a fresh batch of carrots every 3 weeks until early to mid-July to provide a continuous supply of fresh carrots.

Seeding For Transplants
Carrots are not normally seeded for transplants.

Germination
These seeds germinate best in soils around 85°F.
Germination will take 6-18 days.

Transplanting Into the Garden
An even moisture supply is needed for carrots to become well established and to produce good root development. Carrots need at least 1" of water from rainfall or irrigation each week during the growing season. Always soak the soil thoroughly when watering. This will also help promote good root development. On most soils, watering once a week is sufficient. Very sandy soils may require more frequent watering.

Watering
An even moisture supply is needed for carrots to become well established and to produce good root development. Carrots need at least 1" of water from rainfall or irrigation each week during the growing season. Always soak the soil thoroughly when watering. This will also help promote good root development. On most soils, watering once a week is sufficient. Very sandy soils may require more frequent watering.

Harvesting
Carrots are an easy to harvest crop. Simply pull up the plant by the tops - the foliage. Carrots are usually harvested when the roots are 3/4" to 1-1/2"in diameter at the upper end, but you can harvest them any time they reach a usable size. For baby carrots, harvest the roots when they reach finger size and 4"-5" in length.

Carrots destined for storage must be handled carefully during and after harvest to avoid bruising, cutting and breakage.

It is not uncommon for carrots to be left in the ground and covered with mulch until early-mid winter as long as they don't freeze. If kept at just above freezing, they will become sweeter and keep quite nicely until harvested. Some growers cover their carrots at the onset of winter with a cold frame to prevent the snow from piling up directly on the carrots.

Post-Harvest Handling
Carrots harvested and handled in hot weather are more likely to decay and require extra care to prevent wilting. Wash carrots if they are harvested under wet conditions and are to be stored. Many potential decay-causing organisms are removed by washing. Also, clean, washed carrots allow freer air circulation.

Prompt cooling to 40°F or below after harvest is essential for extended storage. Poorly precooled roots decay more rapidly.

Storage
Ideal storage for carrots is 32°F and 99% relative humidity.

Mature carrots are well adapted for storage and are stored in large quantities during the fall and winter. Mature topped carrots can be stored 7 to 9 months at 32°F-34°F with a very high relative humidity, 98%-100%.

Do not store carrots with vegetables and fruits that give off ethylene gas such as apples and pears. Some surface browning or oxidative discoloration often develops in stored carrots.

Diseases
Aster Yellow, Leaf spot and Soft Rot

Pests
Leafhoppers, Wireworms, and Carrot Rust Fly Larvae

Comments
Use scissors to thin carrots in their earliest stages to guarantee you don't harm the adjacent seedlings as pulling them up will most likely disturb adjacent carrot roots.

If leaving carrots in the ground with mulch watch for the presence of rodents as they find carrots irresistible.

References
Weekend Gardener, "Carrots", Chestnut Software, Inc, http://www.chestnut-sw.com/seeds/vegseed/carrots.htm, Accessed 2003-01-01.

Bradley, F. M. and Ellis, B. W.(Ed.). (1992), Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.

Oregon State University, "Carrots, Commercial Vegetable Production Guide", Last modified 2002-12-26, Oregon State University, http://oregonstate.edu/Dept/NWREC/carrot-e.html, Accessed 2003-01-01.

Bennett, P., "Growing Carrots in the Home Garden", Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, HYG-1606-93, http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1606.html, Accessed 2003-01-04.