Carrot
Daucus carota

Carrot Plant

Carrots are biennials, 12-24 inches tall, and frost-tolerant. They prefer loose, well-drained soil in full sun. Keep the soil moist. Carrots are edible, and their leaves have medicinal uses.


carrots on green grass during daytime
Picture illustrating Carrot plant
 

Habit

Biennial

Height

 20-40 cm

Growth

Slow

Soil

Well-drained, sandy loam

Shade

Full Sun

Moisture

Moist

Edible

Yes

Medicinal

No

Origin

Iran, Afghanistan

Climatic Condition

Temperate

Temperature (°)

15 to 25°C

Humidity (%)

50-70%

Potting media

Organic compost, mulch

Fertilizers

NPK 5:10:10, rich in phosphorus

Watering

Regular, deep watering

Plant Weight 

100-300 grams per root

Flowering Time

70-90 days after planting

Soil Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Water Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Soil EC

1-2 dS/m

Yield  Per Plant 

1-3 kg per plant

NPK ratio 

10:10:10

life Span

Biennial

Health Benefits

High in vitamin A, good for eyesight, immune support

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

40% compost, 30% sand, 30% peat moss


Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Fertilize every 4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Common Diseases and Remedies

Cercospora leaf spot , Bacterial Blight

Elongated lesions along the edge of the leaf segments, Lesions on foliage begins as small yellow spots

Remove and rouging of infected 

Copper-oxy-chloride

                  HEALTH BENEFITS

 · Rich in beta-carotene, essential for good vision.

·  High in fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.

·  Supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.

·  Contains antioxidants, helping fight free radicals and reduce aging effects.

What Is An Carrot Tree?

Carrots, Daucus carota, are an edible biennial plant of the Umbelliferae family that is cultivated for its edible roots. Above ground, carrots form a rosette of 8 to 12 leaves, and below ground they form a fleshy, conical taproot. This plant produces small (2 mm) flowers in white, red, and purple. The roots grow up to 5-50 cm (2.0-20 inches) long and reach a diameter of 5 cm (2.0 inches). The leaves of this plant can reach a height of 150 cm (59.1 inches) when in bloom. The carrot plant is an annual or biennial plant and is also known as wild carrot. The origin of this plant is thought to be Europe or the western Mediterranean.


orange carrots on green grass

What Are The Different Types Of Carrot Plants?


1. Emperor Carrot

Emperor Carrot: A long, slender carrot often found in supermarkets. It has a tapered shape and is characterized by its strong sweetness.

2. Nantes Ginseng

 Nantes Ginseng is shorter and wider than Emperor Ginseng and is cylindrical. It is often preferred for its delicate texture and sweet taste.


3. Danvers carrot

I Danvers carrots are medium-sized, broad-shouldered and conical with a tapered tip. It is known for its long shelf life and is often used for processing.

4. Chantenay carrot

Chantenay carrots are shorter and thicker than other varieties, with a broader, blunter shape. It has a sweet taste and is often used in juices and cooking.

5. Purple carrots

Purple carrots are bright purple on the outside and inside. It contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its characteristic color and potential health 


orange carrots in bowl

How to care for Carrot Plants ? 


1. Location

 When growing carrot plants, choose a location in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade. Carrots need loose soil to develop properly, so make sure the soil is well-drained and free of stones and debris. Also, consider your region's climate, as carrots prefer cool temperatures for germination and growth.


2. Sunlight

Carrot plants grow in full sun to partial shade. Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure optimal growth and root development. If you don't have a lot of sunlight in your garden, choose a spot that gets as much sunlight as possible, or consider using reflective material to give your carrot plants as much light as possible.


3. Soil

Loose, well-drained soil is essential for carrot plants. Carrots prefer sandy loamy or loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid heavy clay soils as this can lead to root deformation and stunted growth. Prepare the soil by removing stones, debris, and clumps, and add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm so that the carrots can grow straight and grow properly.


4. Hydration

Adequate hydration is very important for carrot plants. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Carrots have shallow roots, so frequent, light watering is preferable to deep, frequent watering. Make sure the soil is kept evenly moist throughout the growing season, especially during hot or dry periods. Putting mulch around your plants will help conserve soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Avoid overhead watering and water directly into the soil at the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases.


5. Nutrients

Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to provide organic matter and essential nutrients before planting. Additionally, you can also apply a balanced fertilizer with a high phosphorus content to promote root development. Placing mulch around carrots helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress the growth of weeds, which are common pests that damage carrots. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pest infestation, including: B. Leaves are yellowing, growth is stunted, or roots are damaged. Carrots can be susceptible to diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf blight. Maintain good garden hygiene by removing plant debris, providing proper air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.


3 carrots on brown wooden table

What are the Benefits of Carrot Plants ?


1. Nutritional Value

 Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and immune function.


2. Versatility

Carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, or preserved, making them a versatile addition to any meal


3. Gardening Experience

 Growing carrots provides an opportunity to learn about gardening, soil health, and plant care, and is a rewarding experience for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.


4. Save money

Save money: Home-grown carrots can help reduce your food costs, especially if you grow them in large quantities or grow them year-round and they taste good. Environmental benefits: Growing carrots at home reduces dependence on commercially grown crops, which often require transportation and packaging, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact. Masu.


5. Physical Activity

Physical Activity: Gardening activities such as planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting provide opportunities for physical activity and outdoor recreation.

person holding green and red bird on orange carrot

FAQs About Growing Carrrot plants


1.Do carrots have any culinary uses other than being eaten raw or cooked?

Carrots are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. They can be juiced, pureed into soups or sauces, roasted, pickled, or used as a natural sweetener in baked goods.

2.Are baby carrots a different variety of carrot? 
Baby carrots are not a different variety of carrot; they are simply carrots that have been cut and peeled into small, bite-sized pieces. They are often made from larger carrots that have been trimmed down for convenience and are sold in market.

3.Can I freeze carrots?

Yes, you can freeze carrots. To freeze carrots, blanch them first by briefly boiling them in water, then plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once blanched, pat them dry and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer for up to 12 months.


4.How do I know if carrots have gone bad?

Signs that carrots have gone bad include a soft or mushy texture, mold growth, or a foul smell. Discard any carrots that show these signs, as they may no longer be safe to eat.


5.Are there different colors of carrots? 

Yes, carrots come in various colors including orange, purple, yellow, red, and white. Each color variety may have slightly different flavors and nutrient profiles

Beet
Beta vulgaris