Carrot

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Daucus carota var. sativus

CULTURE:
Carrots require well-drained soils, with a pH range of 6.0-6.8. Deep, loose, and fertile sandy loams and peat soils with good moisture-holding capacity grow the straightest and smoothest roots.

PLANTING:
Sow from early spring to midsummer, 3/4–1" apart, 1/4– 1/2" deep, in a 2"-wide band (about 30 seeds/ft.), or single rows 16–24" apart. For minimum soil compaction, use raised beds with 2 or 3 rows 16–24" apart, beds 5–6' on center. Sprinkle the soil surface to keep moist. Do not allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings, which takes 1–3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. If necessary, thin young seedlings to 3/4–2" apart, depending on root size desired. Keep weed-free by tine weeding and shallow hoeing. To prevent greening, cover exposed crowns.

DISEASES:
Blights can reduce yield and quality. Alternaria blight shows as brown-black lesions edged with yellow on leaf margins beginning on oldest leaves. Leaflets may shrivel and die. Cercospora blight first appears as small dark spots with yellow margins on the younger leaves and stems. To prevent blights, practice a 3-year crop rotation. Copper fungicides can be employed as a preventive measure or control.

INSECT PESTS:
Carrot rust flies and wireworms: Provide fertile growing conditions and avoid ground recently in sod if possible. Exclude adult insects with fabric row covers.

HARVEST:
Carrots may be dug any time after they reach the desired size. Generally the best harvest period lasts about 3 weeks (longer in cool, fall weather), after which time the roots may crack or the taste and appearance may decline. Make a few sowings at 3-week intervals for a continuous supply of tender carrots at their prime.

STORAGE:
Plant carrots intended for winter storage about 100 days before expected fall frost. Carrots store best at 32°F (0°C) and 98% relative humidity.

CARROT TYPE:
Each type is identified in product description. Amsterdam are short-season, medium-to-small, and cylindrical. Nantes are medium-length and cylindrical. The Shipping/Imperator types have the extra length and durability required of conventional packaged carrots, and perform best in deeply worked soil. Chantenays are top-shaped and suitable for shallow or heavy soil. Kuroda types have thick, tapered roots and can be darker than average in color. They are suitable for subtropical winter production (CA, TX, FL) or temperate summer production, where winters get below 45–50°F (7–13°C).