Carrot care guide
Daucus carota
Also known as: Carrot, Baby carrot
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Carrot
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Until germination, about one to two weeks, water daily so the seedbed stays moist, as a guide; once the true leaves show, water thoroughly when the topsoil dries.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Summer sowings are swelling now; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Growth nearly stops, so as a guide water sparingly in the morning about two to three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Carrot
A sunny spot is about right; the root grows deep, so use a planter generally at least 30 cm deep filled with loose soil, and cover the seed only thinly since it needs light to germinate.
Overwintering Carrot
Overwintering guide: −3°C (27°F) or above
Summer-sown plants are cold-hardy and generally stay outdoors through winter; hard frost damages the leaves, but the roots keep in the soil and can be dug as needed, until spring growth resumes and they toughen.
Fertilizing and repotting Carrot
Fertilizer
Fresh manure touching the root makes it fork, so use only well-rotted compost as the base, as a guide; feed a small dose of granular fertilizer or diluted liquid feed at the two thinnings, at about three and five to six true leaves.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Carrot
- The seedbed dries out before germination and few seeds come up.
- Stones, fresh compost, or hard soil make the roots fork.
- Shoulders left above the soil turn green.
Tips for growing Carrot
- A fleece or newspaper cover after sowing keeps the seedbed moist for even germination.
- Thin in three stages, at one to two, three to four, and five to six true leaves, ending about 10 cm apart.
- In a planter, short-rooted baby carrots are the most forgiving choice.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
