How to Grow Carrots from its seeds

Carrots are valued worldwide as a fresh vegetable, kitchen staple, and long-term storage crop. When planting carrots, be aware that they can get fussy early in the season. Carrots are biennials and will produce seeds after two years of growth, but they are well worth the effort. Carrot seeds can be used for next year’s harvest or as a spice in cooking.

Time to Plant

Plant carrot seeds outdoors when the soil is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spacing Requirements

Plant carrot seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. In late spring, plant thin carrots in rows 2 to 3 inches apart and 16 to 24 inches apart.

Time to Germination

7 to 21 days

Special Notes

When the carrot shoulders begin to emerge from the soil, pile mulch or soil around the exposed roots to prevent greening.

Common Pests and Diseases

Carrot plants can suffer from many pests and diseases such as carrot rust fly, carrot weevils, earthworms, flea worms, slugs, leaf rot and soft rot. Consider planting resistant varieties and thin plans on humid, overcast days.

When and How to Harvest

To harvest carrots, pull the tip of the root. Be careful when uprooting carrots. Deep-rooted stocks may break during harvest.