Daucus carota
Daucus carota
Carrot
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Description
Daucus carota is the carrot—an adaptable biennial grown for its sweet roots (cultivated forms) or its airy Queen Anne's lace blooms. It’s tough, pollinator-friendly, and thrives in full sun with loose, well-drained soil.
Common Names
CarrotWild CarrotQueen Anne's LaceBird’s NestBishop’s Lace
Context
nativeRegion
Native to Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in temperate regions worldwide.
usdaZones
3-9
companionPlants
Onions, Leeks, Chives, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Radishes, Peas, Marigolds, Rosemary, Sage
culturalUses
Edible roots (cultivated forms) eaten fresh or cooked; greens used sparingly as an herb; traditional medicinal uses; seed oil for fragrance; popular cut flower; supports pollinators and beneficial insects.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours); tolerates light partial shade.
WateringKeep evenly moist; about 1 inch per week. Avoid waterlogging; mulch to conserve moisture and prevent green shoulders.
SoilLoose, deep, stone-free, well-drained sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.0. Avoid compacted or rocky soils to prevent forked roots.
FertilizerLight feeder. Work in compost before sowing; avoid fresh manure and excess nitrogen. If needed, side-dress with a balanced or low-N fertilizer midseason.
HumidityAverage household/outdoor humidity; no special requirements.
TemperatureBest growth at 60–75°F (15–24°C). Seeds germinate at 50–85°F (10–29°C). Light frost tolerant; heat may cause bolting or woody roots.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitBiennial herb. Year 1 forms a leafy rosette and taproot; Year 2 sends up branched stems with lacy umbels.
Mature Size12–48 in tall, 6–18 in spread; cultivated roots typically 6–12+ in long depending on variety and soil.
Growth RateModerate. 60–80 days to harvest roots (cultivated forms) from sowing; flowering in second year.
BloomingSecond year (late spring to summer): flat-topped white umbels, often with a tiny dark central floret; attracts pollinators and beneficials.
DormancyOverwinters as a rosette in mild/cold climates; dies after setting seed (biennial).
Propagation
MethodsSeed (direct sow), Self-seeding
DifficultyEasy to moderate (germination slow/erratic: 10–21+ days).
Best SeasonDirect sow in early spring; or late summer for a fall crop. Fall/winter sowing possible in mild climates.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningThin seedlings to 2–4 in apart; remove spent flower heads to limit self-seeding; hill soil over root shoulders to prevent greening.
RepottingNot typically repotted. Direct-sow where it will grow. If container-grown, use a deep pot (12+ in) and avoid disturbing the taproot.
Pests & DiseasesCarrot rust fly, carrot weevil, aphids, wireworms, nematodes. Diseases: Alternaria leaf blight, aster yellows, cavity spot, damping-off. Prevent with crop rotation, row covers, clean seed, good drainage, and avoiding excess nitrogen.
ToxicityCultivated roots are widely edible. Wild foliage/sap may cause skin irritation or photosensitivity; seeds and strong preparations are not advised during pregnancy. Ensure correct ID—do not confuse with poisonous look-alikes like poison hemlock.
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