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

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21 Oct 21, John (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Do you have a recipe for use of kerosene on carrots? Thank you
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10 Nov 21, Tony Baker (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
diesel or kerosene in a spray bottle will kill any broadleaf weeds and deter carrot fly. Don't go crazy with it though!
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17 Nov 21, Graham (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Years ago (it seems forever) living/working on the hydro dams along the Waitaki River in the South Is. we grew carrots... hoed between the rows to control weeds, and after the carrots had produced their first 2 feathery leaves it was just a light spray with kerosene... That did the job!
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Showing 21 - 23 of 23 comments
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You only cover with a board temporarily as to keep the seeds from washing away and from birds eating them. After a week or more, You are to begin checking for sprouts. Within a week to 10 days, if it’s getting hotter in your climate, you elevate the board above the sprouts by placing a rock at each end of the board length and place the board on top of the two rocks. This keeps it a bit shaded since carrots are cool weather. Then as they get larger ferns and safer to expose, you remove the board. I hope that’s helpful.

- Darlene

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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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