Carrots Growing Guide - Seeds In A Cup®

History of Carrots

Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) originated in Persia around the 10th century, initially purple or yellow. Orange carrots were bred in the Netherlands in the 16th century for their high beta-carotene content, becoming the modern standard. They’ve been a staple root crop worldwide ever since, valued for nutrition and versatility.

Growing Carrots from Seed

Materials Needed: Carrot seeds, potting mix, 4-inch pots, watering can.
Germination Info: 10-21 days at 60-75°F (16-24°C), no stratification, 80% success rate.

Harvest Seeds: Use fresh carrot seeds from a reliable source.
Prepare: Fill pots with loose, sandy potting mix to allow root growth.
Plant Seeds: Sow ¼ inch deep, 2-3 seeds per pot, and cover lightly with soil.
Provide Conditions: Keep cool (60-75°F), moist, in full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Monitor Growth: Sprouts appear in 10-21 days; thin to one seedling per pot at 1-2 inches tall.
Harvest: Pull roots at 8-10 weeks; no transplanting needed for container growth.

Suggestions: Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to speed germination; sow in spring or fall for best results.

Container Gardening Tips

Carrots thrive in deep containers with Seeds In A Cup® kits, perfect for small spaces.

Container Size: 12-18 inch deep pots with drainage to accommodate root length.
Soil Mix: Loose, sandy mix with compost (3:1) to prevent forking.
Location: Full sun (6-8 hours).
Watering: Every 2-3 days, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning: No pruning needed; thin seedlings to avoid crowding.

In-Ground Gardening

Space Needed: 2-3 inches apart, rows 12-18 inches apart.
Soil Types: Loose, sandy loam free of rocks; test with jar method (mostly sand and silt).
Watering: 1 inch weekly, morning watering to prevent rot.
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours).

Plant Profile Chart

Common Name	Botanical Name	Family	Plant Type	Size	Sun Exposure	Soil Type	Soil pH	Bloom Time	Hardiness Zone	Native Area	Toxicity
Carrots	Daucus carota subsp. sativus	Apiaceae	Biennial Vegetable	1-2 ft tall	Full Sun	Sandy Loam	6.0-7.0	N/A	3-10	Persia	Non-Toxic

Diseases and Pests

Diseases: - Carrot Rust Fly (Psila rosae): Root damage by larvae.
Pests: - Aphids (Aphidoidea): Sap-sucking on foliage.
Prevention: Use row covers, rotate crops annually.
Remedies: Apply insecticidal soap, remove affected roots.