Growing Carrot

Daucus carota : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P P P       P P P P P

(Best months for growing Carrot in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 5 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Leeks, Lettuce, Sage, Peas, Radishes, Tomatoes, Beans, Celery, Rosemary
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsnips, Beetroot, Dill, Brassicas, Fennel

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
08 Sep 18, Rowan (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Why are my carrot tops rotting.
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27 Jun 18, Nicole (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have read somewhere that you can't use the soil from a previous carrot harvest again. Is this true and why?
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14 Feb 16, Nico (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to plant Carrots and Beetroot in Hartswater under irrigation, what is the ideal time and what fertilizer do I use please, i want to irrigate with micro sprincklers.
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Also, do not plant them in the same bed.
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Beetroots & carrots require very little nitrogen. Too much and you'll have big leaves at the expense of root development. Phosphate and potassium encourages more root development.
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14 Aug 14, mpfu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
what fertilizers needed to grow carrot
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23 Jul 14, Teboho Mohai (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi,what kind of organic manure needed to produce more quality and good looking carrots?
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18 Mar 14, sandeep (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
hi i have seen some leaves coming out of carrot when we kept in a trey can i sow the carrots in soil? so that i can get the seeds. please tell me.
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13 Jun 13, craig (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can carrots be planted in bags? What form of soil should be used? Can carrots be plamted now if in a warm protected area? Thanks
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03 Mar 13, Mkhu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What might be a problem when carrots becomes short and seems malformed. What can I do?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 21 comments
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In addition to my prior reply: don't forget to check the weather OVER the ENTIRE duration of growth. That is, the average days to harvest for carrots is 60 to 80 days. The days to harvest are calculated based on ideal growing conditions (temperatures/sunshine/water). So if your planting seeds on December 01 -- then expect germination by around Dec 15 - and then add 80 days -- which yields March 04 -- so you need to verify that you have the correct growing temperatures in Dec, Jan, Feb and March (in case you carrots take a little longer). Best of LUCK -- and remember the 60 - 80 days is for the average carrots some varieties take longer -- like my favorite - the DRAGON CARROT takes 90 days. Dragon Carrots are sweet and full of color. The nine inch roots have a bright orange interior with an amazing reddish purple skin. Full of nutrients including lycopene, Dragon Carrots are good for the body and look fantastic in the kitchen. (info for dragon carrots take from a seed retail site).

- Celeste Archer

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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