Growing carrots from seed 2024 Timespan & Steps


BY Khushvinder Dagar
Last Update:

I understand that you are guessing the time for growing carrots from seed. That’s what YOU WILL KNOW HERE! 

If you DON’T KNOW HOW TO GROW CARROT FROM SEEDS, We will teach you how. We have expertise in vegetable gardening and will guide you throughout the process. 

We have been here for many years and have built a reputation for offering gardening guidance. We provide A WEALTH OF INFORMATION and RESOURCES FOR GARDENERS OF SKILL LEVELS. 

Learn the TIPS for the SPEED GERMINATION OF CARROT SEEDS. The techniques I reveal show HOW TO GROW CARROTS FROM CARROT SEEDS

You’re going to learn the following:

  • TIME and PLACE to plant carrot seeds
  • STEPS to grow carrots from seed
  • HARVEST & STORING CARROTS & more.
growing carrots from seed

When and Where to Plant Carrots?

When and Where to Plant Carrots

Carrots are root vegetables. They are BEST PLANTED IN THE EARLY SPRING or EARLY FALL when the soil is cool and moist

It is essential to choose a SUNNY LOCATION WITH WELL-DRAINING SOIL for your carrot seeds. Carrots prefer a SOIL PH BETWEEN 6.0 AND 6.8, so you may need to ADJUST THE PH OF YOUR SOIL if necessary. 

 It is an excellent idea to PLANT CARROT SEEDS IN SUCCESSION. This way, you can have a continuous harvest throughout the season. Consider planting a NEW BATCH OF SEEDS EVERY TWO UP TO THREE WEEKS to ensure a steady supply of fresh carrots. 

With proper care, your carrot plants should be READY TO HARVEST IN ABOUT 70 TO 80 DAYS.

Suggested reading: When To Harvest Carrots

Steps of Growing Carrots from Seed

Steps of Growing Carrots from Seed

The steps to follow to grow carrots from seeds are below:

Choose a sunny location

PLENTY OF SUNLIGHT IS NEEDED TO GROW CARROTS FROM SEED and THRIVE. LOOK FOR A SPOT that receives AT LEAST 6 HOURS OF FULL SUN EACH DAY.

Prepare the soil

Carrots PREFER WELL-DRAINING SOIL RICH IN ORGANIC MATTER. Before planting, use a fork to make loose soil. MIX COMPOST or WELL-ROTTED MANURE to improve its structure.

Sow tiny seeds

Carrot seeds are SMALL and challenging to handle. So it is best to MIX THEM WITH SOME MOIST SAND BEFORE DIRECT SOWING

SCATTER the seeds evenly over the ground and COVER THEM GENTLY WITH A THIN LAYER OF SOD or COMPOST. Water the seeds gently to help them settle into the ground.

Thin out the seedlings

As the carrot seedlings grow, THIN THEM OUT. LEAVE ABOUT 3 INCHES OF SPACE BETWEEN ALL CARROT SEEDLINGS. 

Water and weed regularly

Keep the soil moist and weed-free. This encourages healthy growth. Water the carrots deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Use a hoe or weeder to remove any weeds that appear.

Mulch the soil

Mulching the soil will HELP RETAIN MOISTURE and SUPPRESS WEEDS. Use a LAYER OF STRAW, WOOD CHIPS, or GRASS CLIPPINGS to create a protective layer around the plants.

Fertilize as needed 

Carrots are not heavy feeders and DO NOT REQUIRE A LOT OF FERTILIZATION. However, suppose the soil is poor, or you NOTICE ANY SIGNS OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY. 

In that case, you need to fertilize the plants. Use BALANCED COMPOST TEA or ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILIZER.

How to Harvest and Store Carrots?

Harvest and Store Carrots

Carrots are ready to harvest when they are AT LEAST 1/2 INCH IN DIAMETER. The carrot tops of the roots are VISIBLE above the soil surface. 

Use a garden fork to GENTLY LIFT THE CARROT TOPS OUT OF THE GROUND, being careful not to damage the roots. Enjoy your homegrown carrots fresh, or STORE THEM IN A COOL and DARK PLACE for later use.

Common Pests and Problems of Growing Carrots

Pests and Problems of Growing Carrots

Let’s discuss some common pests and problems you may encounter when you want to grow carrots from seed:

  • Carrot rust flies: Carrot fly is a common pest that LAYS ITS EGGS ON THE SOIL NEAR CARROT PLANTS. The larvae of carrot-rusted fly burrow into the carrots.

They cause them to BECOME DEFORMED AND INEDIBLE. PREVENT THEM BY COVERING THE SOIL WITH A PHYSICAL BARRIER, such as fine mesh netting or a row cover.

  • Aphids: These SMALL, SAP-SUCKING INSECTS can damage carrot plants. They do so by feeding on foliage and stems. CONTROL them using AN ORGANIC INSECTICIDAL SOAP or NEEM OIL SPRAY.
  • Leaf blights: Carrots can be prone to various leaf blights that CAUSE SHREDDED LEAVES. They TURN THEM YELLOW OR BROWN and WILTED. 

Prevent them through GOOD GARDEN HYGIENE. Remove and destroy infected plants and avoid overhead watering.

  • Carrot weevils: These small, black beetles CAN DAMAGE THE ROOTS OF CARROTS. They do so by laying eggs inside them. PREVENT THEM USING A PHYSICAL BARRIER such as a soil insecticide.
  • Carrot root fly: This is a common pest that ATTACKS CARROT ROOTS. They cause them to become misshapen and inedible. PREVENT THEM BY COVERING THE GROUND WITH A PHYSICAL BARRIER, such as fine mesh netting.

More Tips for Planting Carrots

Tips for Planting Carrots

Here are a few more tips to follow when you want to plant carrots:

  1. Sow seeds THINLY and COVER LIGHTLY WITH SOIL.
  2. THIN OUT SEEDLINGS as carrots grow.
  3. WATER REGULARLY and mulch the garden soil.
  4. Plant in succession for continuously harvesting them.
  5. Choose a suitable variety for your flourishing vegetable garden. 

FAQs about Growing Carrots From Seed

1. How long do carrots take to grow from seed?

Depending on the variety and growing conditions, it typically takes 70 to 80 days to harvest to grow carrots from seed. By planting seeds in succession, you can have a continuous supply of fresh carrots throughout the season.

2. How many carrots grow from one seed?

It is common for one carrot seed to produce multiple carrot plants. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, one carrot seed may have anywhere from a few to several carrot plants.

3. Can you scatter carrot seeds?

Yes, you can scatter carrot seeds directly onto the ground when planting. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil or compost. Water the seeds gently. With proper care, you can successfully grow carrots from seed when scattered.

4. Can carrots go to seed if they are not picked?

Yes, carrots can go to seed if they are not picked. Carrots are biennial plants, which means they complete their life cycle in two years. In the first year, they grow leaves and roots. During the second year, they produce carrot flowers and seeds. 

What’s Next

Starting with making the path clear by telling when and where to plant carrot seeds. Then learning the steps to grow carrots from seed.

Involving in the how-tos to harvest carrots and store them. And then indulging in the common pests and problems. We ended up expanding our minds with some more tips in the end.   

If you want to GROW CARROT SEEDS AT YOUR HOME, browse on AsterGardening for more such articles.

We are providing even more DETAILED ARTICLES ON HARVESTING. Take help from us in the planting process!

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Khushvinder Dagar

Hey, I'm Khushvinder. I am a marketer by profession but love the feeling of getting my hands dirty and watching plants grow and have a particular interest in native plants and sustainable gardening practices. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others and have written articles on gardening for various publications.