Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus · Vegetable

A cool-season root crop sown straight into the ground. It needs loose, stone-free soil to grow straight; short varieties suit containers and heavy soil.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, at least 6 hours

Water

About 1 in per week, evenly

Soil

Loose, deep, stone-free, sandy loam, pH 6.0–6.8

Temperature

Best 60–70 °F; tolerates light frost

Spacing

2–3 in apart, rows 12 in apart

Container

At least 12 in deep

Harvest

70–80 days after sowing (estimated)

Lifespan

Biennial, grown as annual

When?

Sow outdoors 2–3 weeks before the last spring frost and keep sowing every few weeks until early summer. A late-summer sowing gives an autumn crop (estimated).

Step by step

1. Loosen the soil deeply and remove stones; avoid fresh manure, which causes forked roots.
2. Sow seeds 1/4 in deep in shallow rows.
3. Keep the surface moist until seedlings appear, often 2–3 weeks.
4. Thin seedlings to 2–3 in apart once they are a few inches tall.
5. Water evenly; sudden heavy watering after dry spells splits roots.
6. Cover root shoulders with soil to stop them turning green.
7. Pull when roots reach the size given on the seed packet.

Common problems

Pets

Carrot is generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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