Atomic Red Carrot Guide

TO SOW

Carrots grow best in cooler weather between 45°F-75°F. They do great in containers and small gardens. Bank on Seeds recommends direct seeding.

If Direct Seeding

• Direct seed outside 1-2 weeks before last frost date; or
• Direct seed into a container 10-12 inches deep and wide anytime of the year. It can be placed outside when the temperature is between 50°F-75°F; or

If Transplanting

Begin the growing season early and start the carrot seeds indoors in trays or pods 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Germination is best and fastest between 60°F-75°F. It can be transplanted outside 5 weeks later.

Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep, 1-2 inches apart, with rows spaced 16-24 inches apart. Germination will take 10-21 days.

TO GROW

Carrots like well-draining, fertile soil free of big rocks and weeds. Carrots like full sun and does well in partial shade. Water thoroughly but not frequently. Check the top 3-4 inches of soil and if dry, then water it.

5-6 weeks after sowing, apply 5-10-10 fertilizer and add more mulch to the top layer of soil to help regulate temperature, retain moisture, and deter weeds.

TO REAP

Carrots develop in 68-76 days. When the carrots reach desired size, use a garden fork or other tool to dig up the carrots. Cut off the top ½ -1 inch above the root. Plant more seeds every 2 weeks for a continual harvest.

PESTS/DISEASES

Leaf blight, click beetles, carrot rust - maintain 3-year crop rotation, check for bugs often and manually remove, neem oil, row cover during early growth

*Companion plant carrot with beans, cabbages, lettuce, kale, onion, peas, peppers, and tomatoes.  Avoid planting with dill, parsnips, and potatoes.*