Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Carrots are a commonly cultivated, cool-season vegetable in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and are native to central Asia and Afghanistan. They are closely related to other aromatic herbs such as parsley, fennel, and dill and most easily recognized by their feathery green leaves that protrude from a thick, fleshy, edible taproot. Carrots are most commonly orange, although cultivars in many colors and shapes are available. Their orange color is due to a high beta-carotene content, providing a significant source of vitamin A. In nature, carrots are biennials (flowering in their second year and then dying), but they are grown as annuals when harvested as a vegetable.

Carrots grow best in full sun, tolerating partial shade, and moist, neutral to slightly acidic, sandy loams. Heavy, compacted, and poorly drained clay soils can cause the roots to branch and distort. Keep the soil moist, as under-watering can lead to tough, bitter carrots. Check the soil moisture several inches down rather than just the top inch. Be mindful when fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can cause the plant to divert energy towards leaf growth instead of roots.

When planting, direct seeding is best—transplanting can easily damage the young taproots. In North Carolina, the best times to plant are early February to late March for a spring crop and August to mid-September for a fall crop, once temperatures are between 40 and 60 F. Row covers can help protect young seedlings from extreme heat. Bury seeds a quarter inch deep and thin plants 2 to 3 inches apart. The seeds can take up to 3 weeks to germinate and therefore can be planted before the last frost date. The roots grow to maturity between 70 to 120 days depending on cultivar and environment. They can be harvested and eaten at any time after reaching full size, about when the top of the root begins to rise out of the soil. 

Grow carrots to eat in an edible garden bed or in containers as small as 2 quarts with a minimum depth of 10 inches. Alternatively, grow them as a biennial in a children’s or pollinator garden, as their flowers will attract bees and butterflies.  Carrots are a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes)

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Carrot yellows, Alternaria leaf spot, and root-knot nematodes may stunt or wilt growth. Powdery mildew may affect leaves, and root rot may affect seedlings. Insect pests include aphids, carrot rust fly, leafhoppers, flea beetles, leaf miners, weevils, various caterpillars, and slugs.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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