Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Carrots

Studies on the nutritional properties of carrots have revealed that they are powerhouses of a wide range of phytonutrient antioxidants. With the vast spectrum of colors and varieties available, the amounts of individual antioxidants vary, yet the overall balance of these potent nutrients contributes to outstanding health benefits regardless of the variety.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 45–85°F
Seed Depth ¼"
Seed Spacing 4 per in.
Days to Emergence 6–21
Thin Plants to 1–3"
Row Spacing 9–16"
Fertilizer Needs Low
Minimum Germination 75% (65% for Organic seed)
Seeds per Gram ≈ 650–750
Seed Life 3 Years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Key to Carrot Disease Resistance and Tolerance

Early (Alternaria) Blight Fungal disease causing concentric spots, blight on leaves.
Alternaria Leaf Blight Fungal disease causing dark, concentric leaf spots.
Alternaria Stem Canker Fungal disease causing dark brown cankers on stems.
Cercospora Fungal disease causing leaf spots, yellowing.
Cavity Spot Fungal disease causing sunken, elliptical lesions on roots.
Liquorice Rot Fungal disease causing firm black lesions on crowns.
Pythium Root Rot Fungal disease causing water-soaked roots, wilting, stunted growth.
Powdery Mildew
Alternaria radicina - "Black Rot" A fungal disease that causes black lesions on roots and can lead to severe damage, especially in storage.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

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Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Carrots perform best in deeply worked, well-composted, loose soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• When the soil is workable, spade or till it to a fine texture 12-16 inches deep — cloddy, heavy soil will not make straight roots
• Heavy soils can cause forked roots; use Chantenay, Kuroda, Paris Market, or Nantes types in heavy soils
• Avoid split roots by maintaining even watering
• When plants have 7-10 leaves, hill 1-2 inches of soil around crowns to prevent green shoulders

Direct Sowing
• Dig a shallow furrow and lightly cover seed with soil, vermiculite or sifted compost
• Water evenly and regularly to prevent soil crusting
• Row cover beds when soil temperatures are cool and to help prevent soil crusting
• Thin when plants are 4 inches tall
• Sow mid-June—July for a fall/winter crop

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Carrot fly
• Insect control: Row covers at planting
• Common diseases: Various blights
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Best harvested when ½ - ¾ inches in diameter when carrots are sweet and tender
• Irrigate well prior to harvest to ensure the roots have absorbed their maximum capacity of water
• For smaller roots: Grip the carrot firmly at the base of the foliage. Push down, then twist as you pull up
• For larger roots (like those grown for winter eating): If necessary, carefully ease up the carrots using a garden fork
• Harvest in stages as carrots reach maturity to extend the harvest window over several weeks
• Cut tops prior to storage
• Spring/Summer Crop: Harvest before daily temperatures get too hot as roots may become fibrous
• Fall/Winter Crop: Flavor is enhanced after a couple of frosts
• Fall/Winter Crop: Roots can be dug any time at maturity through winter as needed. In harsh climates, mulch with 12-18 inches of straw or shredded leaves for protection
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity. Remove all but ½ inch of the greens, remove any dirt under cold running water, and allow to dry. Place in airtight containers, such as plastic bags, and store in the fridge

What is pelleted seed?
Seed that has been coated with a clay-based material to form a larger, round shape. This makes planting by hand or mechanical seeder easier and allows for more controlled sowing of small seeds such as carrots or lettuce. All pelleted seed has a National Organic Program (NOP) approved coating.
For best results, store pelleted seed in an air-tight container and use within one season.

KEY TO CARROT DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
AB | Early (Alternaria) Blight
Ad | Alternaria dauci - "Alternaria Leaf Blight"
Ar | Alternaria radicina - "Black Rot"
AS | Alternaria Stem Canker
C | Cercospora
CS | Cavity Spot
P | Pythium Root Rot
PM | Powdery Mildew

Tried, Tested, and Loved by Our Staff

Our Favorite Carrot

Beloved for their consistent sweetness and smooth texture, Napoli Carrots are an "employee favorite." Their small, uniform roots are perfect for snacking, roasting, or bunching fresh from the garden. Vigorous, reliable plants produce abundant harvests, making this variety a go-to for flavor, beauty, and dependable performance.

NAPOLI

Vegetable | carrot | nantes

From $20.95

55 days. Longtime Nelson fans, do not despair! Napoli is a first-rate Nantes-type carrot that rivals and surpasses Nelson in size and early maturity. Among the earliest of our spring-sown carrots, the 7-8 inch, bright orange roots have a fine texture and a mild, juicy crunch. Plants have tall, strong tops for easy harvest and produce uniform, smooth, cylindrical carrots with narrow shoulders. MA. IR: Ad, Ar, C, P.