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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
06 Jan 17, Mel (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Our current seed has yielded white, purple/black and orange and they are all lovely. It is a bit to get used to but if they taste fine I suspect cross pollination or someone muddled up the seed.
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22 Dec 16, oli (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My Carrots turned white years ago, cross pollination i guess. we love them white and kept the seeds.
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11 Nov 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Meeghan, Carrots and parsnips will take about 3/4 weeks before you see anything above ground. Carrots look a bit like blades of grass when they start. Tom, there's probably too much fertiliser in your soil. See the comment from Skip (02/11)
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Showing 21 - 23 of 23 comments
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Hi Heather, You may wish to check out a product called Soil Solver Clay. This contains kaolin clay and is far more "garden friendly" than bentonite clay. I have used both and found kaolin clay more favourable and you can use a lot more in your soil to hold the moisture. Also, I have seen a reduction in nematode activity when I have used kaolin clay. This may be coincidence only. Have a look at the Youtube video by Trevor Cochrane. Hope this helps.

- Haydn G

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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. GardenGrow 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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