Plants, just like animals, also follow a series of developmental stages. In this article, I’m going to discuss the growing stages of carrots. Follow along with this guide for a detailed step-by-step guide.
Information about carrots
The best soil to grow your carrots in is loose sandy loamy with good drainage. Their growth rate is usually slowed in heavy soil, and the roots are usually rough and unattractive.
Understanding the stages of growing carrots is necessary if you intend to have a healthy harvest.
As this does not only make you become better at farming carrots, it is also necessary for the healthy growth of the plant.
The carrots are biennial and from the planting stage to harvest, It takes two planting seasons to grow your carrots.
You may want to classify the growing stages of carrots into three stages.
- The first season is the planting and germination period.
- The dormant stage prepares the crop for the next season
- The last stage being the seedlings stage.
Let’s discuss these stages of growing carrots.
The first season
The planting
Carrot is a cool seasonal vegetable. Compared with other plants in the vegetable garden, it needs a lower temperature to germinate and grow. You can plant carrots in early spring to get a summer harvest, or you can plant later in the growing season for a fall harvest.
For the summer harvest, sow outdoors three to five weeks before the date of the last spring frost.
To ensure a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every three weeks in late spring. For the autumn harvest, start planting in mid-summer to late summer about 10 weeks before early summer.
Related: Learn About The Carrots Growing Problems
The germination
As soon as the young seedlings emerge and develop their root system, they begin to seek water in depth. It is then no longer necessary to water unless the tops show signs of weakness or the soil dries out deeper.
Also, it is recommended to weed the areas around the seedling, to avoid unhealthy competition by unwanted plants.
The taproot or vegetative stage
This is usually slow in development. At this point, seedlings rely on their primary food stores to power all of the necessary processes, but these stores are decreasing.
A large, central root form, known as the taproot, and small secondary roots develop. The taproot is a store for food that is essential for the growth of carrots.
Also, at this stage, the first true leaf of the carrot appears now, resembling a smaller version of the mature leaves, and photosynthesis begins. The plant at this point no longer relies on the farmer’s input to have food. It is now capable of producing its food.
Related: How To Store Carrots Without Refrigeration (Step By Step Guide)
The dormant stage
Carrots go through a period of dormancy. If the dormant period is warmer than usual, this period can be interrupted. Without this dormant stage, carrots will not produce seeds.
In most areas where carrots are grown, the dormant period of carrots between seasons is usually winter.
Carrots basically have their growth when they enter the dormant state. If the dormant state is interrupted due to abnormal warmth in winter or late frost, it may not bloom. This interruption is referred to as bolting.
This comes about as a result of unstable weather conditions.
The dormant need a dormant state to prepare for the breeding period.
Carrots should begin to grow about two weeks before the last expected frost. All carrots are grown under the same conditions.
Related: When To harvest Carrots? Now Explained
The flowering stage
At this stage, the plant begins to grow flowers. It is the seedling stage.
This stage happens if you did not harvest your carrots in the first planting season.
In this second life cycle of the carrots, which usually happens after the dormant period, it begins to produce seeds.
Carrot seeds are quite small. Carrots seed germinates between ten to 15 days of planting. Then, you can start harvesting your carrots three to four months after germination and continue harvesting them year-round.
Related: learn how to store your carrots step by step
IN CONCLUSION
Typically, you can harvest your carrots three to four months after planting. You know your carrots are ready for harvest when they begin to push through the soil.
You can harvest your carrots when they have reached the size you want.
Young carrots are delicious in salads, while the larger winter varieties are usually eaten in soups or stews.
