Carrot - Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
30–45cm height; roots 15–25cm long.
Overview
A hardy root vegetable producing sweet, crunchy carrots. For straight roots, grow in light, stone-free soil and keep evenly moist. Harvest baby carrots early or leave longer for larger roots. Delicious raw, roasted, in soups and stews, or grated into salads.
- Vegetable Type: Carrot
- Key Characteristic: Sweet, crunchy roots ideal for roasting, soups and fresh eating.
- Hardiness: Hardy (tolerates normal UK winter conditions).
PLANTING ADVICE
Grow in light, stone-free soil to prevent forking. Best sown directly in the ground; avoid pots unless deep containers are used.
- Outdoor cultivation
Best grown outdoors in well-prepared soil in full sun or light shade depending on crop.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Keep soil weed free so roots can develop properly. Thin seedlings where necessary to give plants enough space. Harvest at the recommended size for best flavour and texture.
- Watering: Water during dry spells to prevent roots becoming woody or splitting. Aim to keep soil evenly moist.
- Feeding: Avoid high-nitrogen feeds; use a balanced fertiliser before planting if soil is poor.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
- Harvesting: Lift once roots reach usable size, usually when shoulders show above soil. Harvest young for sweeter flavour.
- Pest and diseases: Use mesh or fleece to prevent carrot root fly damage.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Water lightly before harvesting to make lifting easier.