The ideal range for germination of carrot seeds is between 40°F (4°C) and 85°F (29°C). Although carrots germinate best in warmer soils of 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C), soil temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 65°F (18°C) will serve this root crop well when sowing seeds in the Spring. As a root crop, carrots do not transplant well.  Only direct sow seeds.

Carrots should be direct sown as they do not transplant well. Direct sow 2-3 weeks prior to your last frost date.

Full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day.

Carrot seeds are tiny and often sown in a row rather than evenly spacing. Once carrot tops are 4″, thin to 2-3″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size.

Carrots grow best in temperatures between 40°F and 80°F (4°C to 27°C). Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can stunt growth or cause carrots to develop a bitter taste.

Carrots can generally withstand a light frost between 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C). A hard frost (below 28°F (-2°C)) will damage the carrot tops, and wet frozen ground will cause the carrot roots to rot. If grown as a fall crop and well established before the days grow shorter and grown in cold frames or row covers, many carrots can withstand even colder temperatures.

Keep the soil consistently moist.  Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Carrots do not require pruning.

Carrots are generally ready for harvest when the green tops are about 10-12″ or the shoulders (the top of the carrot where the greens emerge from) are about 1″ wide. Carrots can be harvested younger if desired. When harvesting, gently loosen the soil from around the carrot before lifting/pulling out of the ground. Just pulling the carrots out by the green tops will often result in pulling the greens off the carrot with the carrot remaining in the soil.

Carrots are propagated from seeds. 

Carrots require loose soil. Compacted soil may stunt growth. Carrots can also be suitable for container growing.