Which month is best for planting carrots?

Carrots are semi-hardy vegetables. The optimal temperature range for seed germination is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while the most suitable temperature for plant growth is 18 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day and 13 to 18 degrees Celsius at night. Temperatures that are too high or too low will have an adverse effect on its growth. Let’s learn below which month is the best for sowing carrots?

Which month is best for planting carrots?

The best time to sow carrots is in spring and autumn:

1. Spring sowing

Spring is one of the best times to sow carrots. The time of spring sowing varies slightly depending on the climatic conditions in different regions. Generally speaking, spring sowing takes place between February and May. For example, carrots grown in greenhouses can be sown from late January to early to mid-February, while carrots grown in the open field with mulch covering can be sown from mid-to-late March to early April.

2. Autumn sowing

Fall is also a good time to plant carrots. Autumn sowing usually takes place between July and September. The appropriate time to sow carrots is mid-to-late July, and the latest time should not be later than early August. They are usually harvested in mid-September.

How to grow carrots

1. Seed preparation

Before sowing carrots, the seeds need to be treated to increase the germination rate. Because carrot seeds are small, they absorb water and germinate slowly, have a low germination rate, and often encounter hot and rainy weather during the sowing period. The treatment method is: one day before sowing, soak the seeds in 35-40 degrees warm water for 12 to 16 hours, then dry them, mix them with dry sand and then broadcast or sow them in rows. To ensure uniform sowing, add an appropriate amount of fine sand.

2. Seeding technology

Carrot seeds can be broadcast or sown in rows. After sowing, the thickness of the soil should be controlled at 1-1.5 cm. Then rake the soil 2-3 times to ensure the surface is flat, and tap the surface of the bed lightly, pressing it down moderately so that the seeds are tightly combined with the soil.

3. Weed control

Since carrots emerge slowly, taking about 10 days, weeds usually emerge earlier than carrot seedlings and grow quickly. Therefore, special herbicides such as acetochlor and alachlor can be sprayed on the bed surface on the day of sowing or the next day, and the instructions must be strictly followed when using.

4. Thinning

Timely thinning is the key to achieving high carrot yields. After all the carrot seedlings emerge, thinning should be carried out in time. The first thinning is carried out when the seedlings have 1 to 2 true leaves, and the seedling spacing is kept at 3 to 4 cm; the second thinning is carried out when the seedlings have 4 to 5 true leaves; the third thinning is carried out and the seedlings are determined when the seedlings have 5 to 6 leaves, and the seedling spacing is 10 to 15 cm. When thinning out seedlings, remove those with particularly dark color, coarse and hard hairs on leaves and petioles, too many leaves, or leaves that are too thick and short. These seedlings may cause forked roots, thick cores, or small fleshy roots, which are not conducive to the growth of carrots.

5. Irrigation

During the germination period of carrots, they need to be watered three times to ensure that the seedlings are evenly distributed. There is a folk proverb that goes "If you don't water them three times in seven days, they will be ruined." Keep the soil moist, with humidity between 60 and 80 percent. After the seedlings are all grown, they do not require much water and should not be watered too much. The soil should be kept alternately moist and dry. Generally, water them once every 5 to 8 days to promote rooting and prevent the seedlings from growing too tall. When the fleshy roots grow to the thickness of fingers, water them in time to keep the soil moist. Insufficient water may cause the xylem of fleshy roots to become corky and increase the number of lateral roots, while excessive watering may cause the fleshy roots to crack and affect quality.

6. Topdressing

When applying top dressing, quick-acting fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate should be used, and top dressing can be applied three times during the entire growing period. The first topdressing should be carried out during the period of rapid expansion of the fleshy roots, and then applied every 15 days, for a total of 3 times. Each time, apply 1,500 kg of manure, or 20 kg of diammonium phosphate and 15 kg of potassium sulfate per mu in combination with watering. This method of fertilization helps promote the growth of carrots.

7. Soil cultivation

When the carrot roots are not much exposed above the soil surface, the upper part may also be exposed due to rain erosion or the shallow and solid soil layer. Under direct sunlight, they turn green, the tissue hardens, and the quality is affected. Soil cultivation can be combined with inter-row cultivation and weeding to ensure that the fleshy roots do not protrude from the soil surface.

8. Harvest at the right time

From sowing to harvesting, early-maturing varieties can generally be harvested within 85 to 90 days, and medium- and late-maturing varieties should be harvested in time within 105 to 120 days. If harvested too late, the fleshy roots of carrots will easily harden or they will suffer frost damage in the field and will not be able to withstand storage. Harvesting usually begins in late October and is gradually supplied to the market. Autumn carrots that are intended for storage can be harvested later until early November.

To sum up, carrots are usually sown and cultivated in autumn and spring. For northern regions, the best time to sow carrots in spring is mid-to-late March to early April, while the best time to sow in autumn is mid-to-late July to early August. The climatic conditions during these time periods are suitable for the growth and germination of carrots, which can ensure the healthy growth and high yield of carrots.