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

(Best months for growing Carrot in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed

January: water well

September: broadcast sow

  • 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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 12 inches 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

24 Oct 08, Lola Campbell (Australia - tropical climate)
I once tried to grow carrots and it was more difficult than I thought it would be. I grew them during Spring and I found that they had to have a lot of attention. I do not recommend growing them during Summer.
14 Aug 08, Richard (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I had a problem with ants eating the tops out of my carrots last season and a friend suggested some decoy baits. After seeing the ants getting stuck into any tomato with damaged skin I started placing tomato halves in amongst the carrots and that fixed the problem.
29 Jul 08, Barbara in Lane Cove (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Terry - Maybe it's carrot fly larvae, which can burrow into the carrots. Interplanting carrots with onions can apparently help. Jackie French reckons carrot fly is attracted to straight rows, so best to disguise carrots by planting in irregular blocks instead.
08 Jul 08, Joy (Australia - temperate climate)
Terry, have you thought about birds... they seem to love my carret leaves and have gnawed them to the ground in no time. I have just had to string fishing line over the entire vege garden in an attempt to keep them out. Has anyone else got any ideas how to keep birds out... they are also stealing my eggs, no matter what I do they find a way in!!!
28 May 08, Michelle (Unknown climate)
Bunnings sells organic sprays for all sorts of crop from around $10 (for the better ones).
29 Apr 08, matthew (Unknown climate)
it could be cockchafers, there are a number remedies available (if you are not organic) from your local garden supply store more for your lawn though but can still be used in the garden
28 Apr 08, terry george (Unknown climate)
not atip but a question why is it that every season i have a problem with my carrots having them eaton by some type of insect or grub,is there something i can spray with,they are still edible but do not look that good
16 Dec 07, Liz Hutchinson (Unknown climate)
If you want repeat crops, try to use another part of your garden to prevent carrot fly infestation.
Showing 361 - 368 of 368 comments

Will it be too late to sow these in early September?

- Fran

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