Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Family: Apiaceae
Carrot grows in full sun and prefers loose sandy or loamy soil. Water needs: Moderate.
Photo Gallery
Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
Photo info
How to Grow Carrot
Carrot growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Loose sandy or loamy soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-10. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Carrot as 10-21 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 60-80 days.
Plant Overview
Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is listed in the Apiaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a biennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0007
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Biennial
- Growth habit
- Cool-season biennial grown as an annual root crop
- Mature height
- Approximately 12-24 inches including foliage
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Carrot is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Loose sandy or loamy soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 3-10.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-10
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Loose sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 2-4 inches after thinning
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 10-21 days and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 60-80 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 10-21 days
- Germination temperature
- About 45-85°F
- Seed depth
- 1/4 inch
- Sowing method
- Direct sow where plants will grow because roots dislike transplanting
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 60-80 days
- Harvest
- Harvest roots when they reach usable size and desired tenderness
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Carrot rust fly, aphids and wireworms
- Uses
- Fresh eating, cooking, roasting, juicing and preserving
Related Plants
Find, buy, swap, or sell Carrot
One World One Seed connects this plant profile to community sellers, plant swaps, storefronts, and participating garden retailers.
Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.