Carrots are a popular root vegetable known for their sweet flavor, vibrant color, and nutritional benefits. They belong to the Apiaceae family, which also includes parsley, celery, and fennel. Carrots are typically orange, but they come in other colors like purple, red, yellow, and white.

High in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Carrots contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health and help protect against diseases.

Soil Preparation:

Type :
Loose, sandy, or loamy soil that drains well is best for carrots. Avoid heavy clay or stony soils as they can cause the roots to become misshapen.

pH :
Carrots grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.

Soil Depth :
Ensure the soil is tilled to a depth of at least 12 inches to allow the roots to grow straight and deep.

Sowing Seeds :

Direct Sowing :
Carrot seeds should be sown directly into the garden because they do not transplant well.

Timing :
Sow carrot seeds 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. In warmer climates, you can also plant them in the fall.

Depth :
Sow seeds about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) deep.

Spacing:
Space seeds about 2-3 cm (1 inch) apart in rows that are 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)** apart. Thin the seedlings to 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart once they are about 2 inches tall.

Watering:

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Carrots need regular watering but avoid waterlogging the soil, which can cause the roots to rot.
Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.

Sunlight:

Carrots need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well. They can tolerate partial shade but perform best in full sun.

Thinning:

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that each carrot has enough space to develop properly.

Weed Control :

Keep the area around the carrot bed free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Carrots have shallow roots, so be careful not to disturb the roots while weeding.

Pest and Disease Management:

Pests :
Keep an eye out for pests like carrot flies, aphids, and nematodes. Use row covers to prevent carrot flies from laying eggs near the plants.

Diseases :
Carrots can be affected by fungal diseases, so avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around the plants.

Harvesting :

Carrots can be harvested about 60-80 days after planting, depending on the variety.
Harvest when the carrots have reached a usable size, typically 1-2 cm in diameter, but you can let them grow larger if desired.
Gently loosen the soil around the carrot roots and pull them out.

No of seeds per pkt : 60

Germination Rate: 70%