Direct sow October to January for harvests from January to April. Direct sow winter-harvest carrots in the first two weeks of February. Sow at 3-week intervals for a continuous harvest. Optimal soil temperature: 7-30°C. Seeds take as long as 14-21 days to germinate.
Starting
Because carrot seeds are tiny, they need to be sown shallowly. The trick is to keep the top-most layer of soil damp during the long germination period. Water deeply prior to planting. Direct sow the tiny seeds 5mm deep, 4 seeds per 2cm, and firm soil lightly after seeding. Make sure the seeds are only just buried. Water the area with the gentlest stream you can provide, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.
Growing
Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. The softer and more humus-based the soil, the better. When soil is dry enough in spring, work it to a fine texture. Broadcast and dig in ½ cup complete organic fertilizer for every 3m of row. Avoid fresh manure. Carrots will become misshapen, but still edible if they hit anything hard as they grow down into the soil. Keep weeded and watered.
It is very important to thin carrots in order to allow them room to grow, and so they don't compete for available nutrients, moisture, and light. Then to 4-10cm when the young plants are 2cm tall. Use wider spacing to get larger roots. As they grow, carrots push up, out of the soil, so hill soil up to prevent getting a green shoulder.
Harvest
Carrots can be harvested at any size, but the flavour is best when the carrot has turned bright orange. After harvest, store at cold temperatures just above 0ºC.
You can store in sand or sawdust, or simply leave carrots under heaped soil in the garden during the winter, and pull as you need them.
Plant with bean seeds, Brassicas, chives, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, pole beans, radish, rosemary, sage, and tomatoes. Avoid planting with dill, parsnips, and potatoes.
Carrots planted near tomatoes may have stunted roots but will have exceptional flavour. Chives also benefit carrots.
Minimum 50 seeds per packet
All seeds are tested and grown on our farm in Malawi and our growing area in South Africa. Please check conditions in your area for the type of seed to be grown. Growth rates and germination times are dependent on many factors such as soil conditions, rainfall/watering patterns, climate and many more. Growth and harvest can be affected by these conditions.
Please note that certain countries require specific permission to grow certain plants or ban their growth completely. Please check your local regulations before purchasing products. We will not be held responsible for products purchased that are not allowed in your country/province.
