Carrots

Carrots have been a staple food for centuries in Europe, Africa, and Asia for their easy care, nutritive value, and versatility in food preparation. Their rainbow of colors attracts gardeners today, a feature popular with children for snacking and growing in school and home gardens.

Numerous choices

Ancient carrots were likely nearly black; today, purple varieties may also be nearly black but other varieties are orange, red, yellow, or white.
Very long carrots, such as ‘Imperator’ and ‘Danvers’ are best grown in very loose, sandy, or fine-textured soil for developing length and ease of harvest.
Many popular varieties are considered half-long, such as ‘Nantes’ and ‘Chantenay’.
Baby or gourmet 3-5 in. carrots such as ‘Short ‘n Sweet’ and ‘Little Finger’ are recommended for shallow or heavy soil.
Finger-size carrots may be pulled to thin rows; mature carrots may be stored in the ground and dug when needed during fall and winter. Pull carrots if heavy frost or freezes are expected.

Planting and Care

Amend heavy ground with compost and remove any clods and rocks, even very small ones, that cause deformities, or plant in raised beds in loose soil.
Site carrots in full sun in rows at least 1 ft. apart.
Mix tiny seeds with a small amount of sand or cornmeal for ease in distributing them evenly.
Cover seeds lightly with fine, sieved soil or compost and maintain moisture to prevent a crust from forming over the surface. In dry or windy weather, cover seeds with spun row cloth or burlap strips and irrigate lightly.
Watch for sprouts in about 14 days. When seedlings reach 1-2 in. tall, thin to 1-2 in. apart.
Sow succession crops over a long period from March-July. Carrots planted later may not mature.
Stay alert to weather conditions in early spring so that young plants are not subjected to long periods of cold temperatures that favor bolting.
Avoid close planting and high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage more green tops than roots. Excess nitrogen may also cause root deformities.
Maintain consistent, even moisture for straight growth and good color.
Keep root tops, or shoulders, covered with soil to prevent bitter green color.
Spread a light layer of compost or other organic mulch over soil surface to control weeds and protect soil moisture.
Harvest small carrots in 3 months or allow them to continue growing. If left in the soil too long, however, they become tough, woody, and cracked.

Additional Information

Sonoma County Master Gardener Vegetable Planting Summary.
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/carrot/
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/carrot/index.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/carrot/cultural-tips/

February 2022