General
Carrots of Daucus carota include summer/early types and autumn/storage types. Summer types mature fast (about 60–80 days), are tender and sweet, and are best eaten fresh. Autumn/storage types grow a bit longer, producing denser roots that suit late-autumn harvest and long storage; they tolerate light frost in the ground if mulched. In Sweden they can be grown in zones 1–7 during the frost-free season. A fine, stone-free top 25–30 cm prevents forking. Keep rotations long and net plants against carrot fly.
Light
Full sun (6–8 hours). Tolerates light partial shade in warm regions.
Soil type
Loose, deep, stone-free sandy loam with good drainage and moderate organic matter.
Water requirement
Moderate but even moisture; avoid waterlogging and long dry spells.
Nutrient requirement
Low to moderate. Avoid fresh manure and high nitrogen; favor well-matured compost.
Precultivation
Direct sowing is strongly preferred—carrots dislike root disturbance. For the earliest harvests, you can pre-sprout seeds on damp paper at 5–10°C for 5–7 days to speed spring emergence. Germination is best at soil 8–18°C; maintain 12–18°C air and keep the surface evenly moist. If transplants must be used, sow into deep cells or paper pots and plant the whole plug before roots hit the bottom. Sow early to mid-spring for summer types; sow late spring to early summer for autumn/storage types.
Planting
Prepare a fine, firm, weed-free, stone-free seedbed. Do not add fresh manure; incorporate well-matured compost several weeks beforehand if needed. Sow 1 cm deep with 20–30 cm between rows and very thinly. Keep the top 1–2 cm of soil consistently moist until emergence (use fleece or boards to shade the row, remove at sprout). Thin in stages to 3–5 cm between plants for summer types and 5–8 cm for autumn/storage types. Erect insect netting at sowing or at emergence. Avoid soil crusting by gentle irrigation or using a thin covering of fine compost/vermiculite.
Pruning
No pruning. Remove any plants that bolt and rogue out misshapen, pest-damaged individuals to reduce pest reservoirs. Keep weeds controlled by shallow hoeing or hand weeding to avoid disturbing roots.
Maintenance
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting, aiming for even moisture—especially important for autumn/storage types near the end of growth to prevent splitting after heavy rains. Mulch lightly after establishment to buffer moisture and suppress weeds. Feed sparingly: a light dose of balanced organic fertilizer or compost in spring and, if needed, a modest side-dress when tops are 10–15 cm tall. For carrot fly, use 0.8 mm insect netting, 60 cm high barriers, avoid evening thinning, remove thinnings, and rotate 3–4+ years.
Harvest
Summer types: harvest baby roots at 1.5–2 cm diameter or full size around 60–80 days after sowing depending on variety and temperature. Loosen soil next to the row, lift carefully, and twist off foliage immediately; store short-term in the fridge in perforated bags. Autumn/storage types: allow roots to size fully; flavor improves after one or two light frosts. Harvest before deep frost or mulch beds for in‑ground holding. For long storage, remove tops, keep roots unwashed in boxes with moist sand or peat at 0–2°C and high humidity (90–98%). Check periodically and remove any spoiled roots.
Common issues
Carrot fly (Psila rosae): prevent with netting/barriers, avoid evening thinning, remove thinnings, rotate 3–4+ years. Forked or hairy roots: soil too rich or fresh manure, stony or compacted soil, or root disturbance when transplanting. Poor germination: dry surface or soil crusting—keep top layer evenly moist and consider pre-sprouting. Green shoulders: shallow covering—hill lightly to keep crowns covered. Bolting: stress from cold or drought—use season-appropriate varieties and maintain even moisture. Splitting: irregular watering or heavy late rains—keep moisture even, especially for storage types. Leaf blights (Alternaria) and cavity spot: improve airflow, avoid overhead watering late in the day, maintain balanced nutrition, and rotate. Rodent damage in mulched beds: use protection and traps where needed.
Rotation schedule
Rotate 4–6 years away from Apiaceae (parsnip, parsley, celery, coriander). Follow nutrient-demanding crops with carrots to utilize residual fertility, then follow carrots with leafy greens or legumes. Avoid beds that received fresh manure in the previous 6–12 months.
Pollination
Not applicable for harvest stage (root crop; typically harvested before flowering).
Companion plants
Onion, leek, chives, garlic, dill, coriander, lettuce, radish, peas; flowering edges with alyssum or phacelia for beneficials.
Incompatible plants
Fennel; close rotation with other Apiaceae (parsnip, parsley, celery, celeriac); avoid beds recently manured with fresh manure.
