About Carrots
Carrots have a rich history that dates back over 5,000 years to ancient empires in what is now Iran and Afghanistan. However, the orange carrot as we know it today wasn’t cultivated until the 17th century in the Netherlands, as a tribute to the Dutch House of Orange. Prior to this, carrots came in a range of colors, including purple, red, and even black!
As for eye health, the belief that carrots improve eyesight is not just an old wives’ tale. Carrots are rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and overall eye health. So, eating carrots can indeed help maintain eye health and protect against degenerative eye diseases.
When to Plant Carrot Seeds
Carrots are best sown outdoors in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically just a couple of weeks before the last expected frost. While they are cold-hardy, they thrive when nighttime temperatures are around 55°F. Carrots struggle in temperatures above 75°F, so it’s ideal to plant them during cooler spring or fall months for optimal growth.
Carrot seeds typically take 10 to 21 days to germinate, and carrots usually take 50 to 90 days to mature, depending on the variety. For sweeter flesh, leave carrots in the ground through the fall; they can withstand frost but should be harvested before the ground freezes. For a summer harvest, sow carrot seeds 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost in early spring. For a fall harvest, plant carrot seeds in mid to late summer, about 10 weeks before your first fall frost.
To start carrot seeds indoors, fill a flat with potting soil and evenly sprinkle the small seeds. Over sowing is fine, as you can thin and use the seedlings when transplanting them outdoors. After sowing, water the seeds to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and cover them with about ¼ inch of soil. Place the flat in a location with six hours of sunlight per day, and keep the temperature between 55 to 65°F. Once the seedlings are 1 to 2 inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Where to Plant Carrot Seeds
Carrots thrive in full sun but can tolerate some shade. They grow best in deep, loose, and well-drained soil, so avoid clay. Choose a location with soil that allows roots to grow freely. Adding compost, sand, and wood ash can improve nutrient content, drainage, and potassium levels. For optimal growth, it’s recommended to sow carrot seeds directly in the garden, as root vegetables like carrots have long taproots and do not transplant easily. However, you can start them indoors and transplant if you prefer.
How to Plant Carrot Seeds
The key to growing great carrots is preparing your soil in advance. This ensures the roots have the ideal growing environment. The most challenging part is handling the tiny seeds and thinning them once they sprout. To prepare the soil, till or hoe 8 to 12 inches deep and mix in compost for better texture and nutrients.
Plant the seeds two inches apart and ⅛ to ¼ inches deep. Use a seed-sower or thin them vigorously to distribute seeds evenly to avoid them growing together. One trick is to mix the carrot seeds with sand to help track where they’ve been planted and keep them spaced out. Cover the top of your soil with a layer of fine compost.
When transplanting seedlings from indoors to outdoors, carefully select a clump of soil with multiple seedlings. Gently pull apart the soil to expose a seedling with its root intact. Transplant the seedling directly into your outdoor garden, spacing them about two inches apart. Ensure the root is placed down into the soil, with the green part of the seedling above the soil line. You can create a hole with your finger to guide the root into place. Fill the hole with soil, tamp it down gently, and water lightly to ensure good soil contact around the root.
How to Harvest Carrots
Keep the soil consistently moist with frequent shallow waterings, especially during the early stages of growth. Carrots need at least one inch of water initially, then increase to about two inches as the roots mature. Mulching lightly around the area can help retain moisture, speed up germination, and prevent direct sunlight from hitting the roots. Carrots may take two to three weeks to sprout. Once the tops are about four inches tall, thin them to about three inches apart to allow for proper root growth. The thinned carrots, although small, are still edible and work well in soups.
Follow the Rosesu’ seed packet directions for the proper timing, typically between 50 to 75 days. Carrots need time to develop their sweetness, so avoid harvesting too early, or you’ll end up with bland vegetables. Since carrots grow underground, it’s difficult to know exactly when they’re ready, so test one after the recommended time has passed. When the carrots reach about the width of your thumb or ½ inch in diameter, they’re ready to harvest. Gently pull the carrot from the leafy top, twist, and enjoy! Be sure to remove the foliage before storing to prevent it from drawing moisture from the roots. If left in the ground too long, the tops will flower and produce seeds the following year.
Carrots thrive in sandy, loose soil. If your carrots are short and ball-shaped, it likely means the soil was too compact for the roots to grow properly. Carrots actually taste sweeter after experiencing a frost, so don’t worry if they freeze while still in the ground!