The harvesting season for carrots typically begins in June and continues through October.
carrot
Daucus carota ssp. sativus
The carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus) is a root vegetable that is usually orange in color, but can also be other colors like yellow, white, purple, and red. It is a cool-season crop that actually grows best in full sun, and generally grows from two to four inches in diameter. Carrots are a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, K, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. The tops of the carrot can also be used in salads, soups, and other recipes. Carrots have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor that can be used to enhance many dishes.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average=Frequent
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
3
Flowers:
Showy, White Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Carrots should be watered regularly to ensure continuous growth. Water the carrots deeply once per week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. During hot and dry weather, water twice a week to keep the soil evenly moist. Make sure to check the soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Water near the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage as much as possible, as wet foliage can promote disease.
sunlight
Carrots (Daucus carota ssp. sativus) need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day in order to grow and thrive. In general, the more sunlight they get, the better. Ideally, carrots should receive full sun throughout the spring and summer growing season in order to produce the highest quality and quantity of carrots. During the heat of the summer, the carrots may need to be shaded to prevent sun scald and dehydration. In the fall and winter, they can tolerate some shade as the temperatures become cooler.
pruning
Carrot plants should be pruned 3 or 4 times during their growing season. Pruning should be done when the plant is about 8-10 inches tall. Pruning involves cutting off the top third of the plant with a pair of clean, sharp shears. This encourages more bushy growth and helps to maintain an overall healthy and attractive appearance. Additionally, pruning off any weak and woody stems helps to open more room for new stems and leaves to grow, providing more nutrition for the plant. When performing pruning, it's important to make precise cuts so as to not damage the stem or leaves. Always disinfect the shears with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water before and after each use.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Carrots typically start flowering in June or July.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for carrots typically begins in June and continues through October.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Can carrots be grown in areas with shade?
Yes, carrots can be grown in areas with shade. According to the University of Illinois Extension, carrots are a cool-season crop and can tolerate partial shade conditions, which is a blessing for gardeners in areas with hot climates and limited sun exposure. Carrots prefer soils that are light, loose, and well-drained, so it’s a good idea to amend the soil in shaded areas with aged compost and aerate the soil. Carrots can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days to mature, so it’s important to plant them early in the season and to water them regularly. There are many varieties of carrots that are well-suited for shaded areas, so be sure to do your research to find the best one for your garden.
Are there different varieties of carrot plants?
Yes, there are various varieties of carrot plants. There are long and short varieties, as well as orange, yellow, white, and purple colored varieties. There are also various textures and flavors to choose from when selecting a carrot plant. Some of the popular varieties of carrot plants are Imperator, Nantes, Chantenay, and Danvers. Each variety of carrot plant has its own unique characteristics that make it an ideal choice for certain dishes.
Do carrot plants thrive in drained soil?
Yes, carrot plants do thrive in drained soil. Carrots need soil where water is able to run through quickly, so draining the soil is important for their successful growth. When planting, be sure to use a well-draining soil mix high in organic matter, or mix in sand or perlite for better drainage. Additionally, drainage can be improved by adding raised beds or mounded rows as carrots won’t do well in water-logged soil. With these considerations taken, carrot plants can develop well in drained soil.
Should we thin out carrot seedlings for growth?
Yes, it is important to thin out carrot seedlings for growth. By removing some of the smaller, less vigorous seedlings, you are giving the remaining seedlings more space and resources to grow properly. The remaining carrots should be spaced apart from each other according to the packet directions for each variety. Thinned seedlings will also have better air circulation and more direct sunlight, which can help make them sturdier and more productive. Additionally, thinning seedlings will reduce competition between closely growing plants, helping them all reach their full potential.
Can carrots grow better with companion plants?
Yes, carrots can grow better with companion plants. Companion planting is a method of gardening where specific crops are purposefully planted together for mutual benefit. When planting carrots, beneficial companion plants can boost carrot growth, deter pests, increase soil fertility, and create an attractive display. Carrots actually do well when planted with other plants such as lettuce, garlic, onions, and radishes. These companion plants help repell pests such as aphids, and also bring additional nutrients to the soil, producing larger, healthier carrots.
Do specific pollinators get attracted to carrot plants?
Yes, specific pollinators can get attracted to carrot plants. In particular, bees, butterflies, and hoverflies often pollinate carrot plants. Bees are attracted to the abundant nectar given off by carrot flowers, while butterflies and hoverflies are drawn in by the sweet scent of the flowers and the bright colors of the petals. Other beneficial insects such as wasps and ladybugs also often visit carrot flowers and help pollinate them.
Is it feasible to grow carrots using hydroponic systems?
Yes, it is feasible to grow carrots using hydroponic systems. Carrots are a type of root vegetable which are traditionally grown in soil, however they can be grown hydroponically by establishing a nutrient film technique (NFT) system or a subirrigation system. Hydroponic carrots require an extremely nutrient-rich solution to grow, as well as a deep net pot to hold the carrot seedling while its root grows longer in the solution. With proper care and upkeep, carrots grown hydroponically can be harvested in as little as 2-3 months.
Do carrots need protection from frost?
Yes, carrots need protection from frost. Frost can damage the roots of carrots and make them inedible, so it is important to protect them from frost. The best way to do this is to cover the carrots or the entire bed with a blanket or frost-protective fabric on cold nights. It is also possible to harvest the carrots before the first frost to ensure they are not damaged by the cold. Additionally, selecting varieties of carrots that mature quickly can help reduce the risk of damage from frost.
