Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
By Rowan Plank · Published September 28, 2026
Sun
Full sun
Water
~1 in/week, consistent
Spacing
2–3 in apart after thinning, rows 12–18 in apart
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Days to maturity
60–80 days from seed, by variety
Hardiness zones
Cool-season annual in all US zones
When to plant: Direct-sow as soon as the soil can be worked in spring; sow again in mid to late summer for a fall crop
Carrots need full sun, loose stone-free soil 8–12 in deep, and about 1 in of water a week. Sow seed ¼ in deep, thin seedlings to 2–3 in apart, and most varieties are ready 60–80 days after sowing.
That loose, deep soil is why carrots do so well in raised beds: bed soil has no rocks or clay to fork the roots.
Which carrot variety should you grow?
Match the variety to your soil depth. Long carrots need deep, loose soil; short and round types handle shallow beds, containers, and heavier soil.
| Type | Root shape | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round (Paris Market) | Small ball | 1–2 in | Containers, shallow or rocky soil |
| Chantenay | Short, wide, tapered | 5–6 in | Heavy or shallow soil |
| Nantes | Cylindrical, blunt tip | 6–7 in | Raised beds, sweet fresh eating |
| Danvers | Tapered, pointed | 6–8 in | Most garden soils, storage |
| Imperator | Long, slender | 8–10 in | Deep, very loose soil only |
In a standard 12 in raised bed, Nantes and Danvers types are the safest pick. Save Imperator types for beds with a full 12 in of loose soil.
When and how do you plant carrots?
Direct-sow carrots as soon as the soil can be worked in spring — they don't transplant well, so skip starting them indoors. For a fall harvest, sow a second round in mid to late summer.
Plant seed ¼ in deep in early spring. In the heat of summer, go a little deeper, ½–¾ in, where the soil stays moist longer. Space rows 12–18 in apart, or sow in a block across a raised bed.
Keep the seedbed damp
Carrot seed can take 2–3 weeks to germinate, and it dries out fast at the soil surface. A light daily watering — or a board laid over the row until sprouts appear — keeps germination even.
How far apart should you thin carrots?
Thin to 2–3 in apart when seedlings are 3–4 in tall. Crowded carrots stay small and come out twisted, and thinning is the step most gardeners skip and regret. Snip extras at soil level with scissors instead of pulling them, so you don't disturb the roots you're keeping.
Why are my carrots forked or green on top?
- Forked or twisted roots — stones, compacted or poorly prepared soil, or seedlings left too close together.
- Green shoulders — the top of the root turns green and bitter when it's exposed to sun. Pull a little loose soil over the row as the roots swell, about 40–50 days after sowing.
- Carrot rust fly — planting onions or leeks nearby is a traditional way to help mask the carrot scent that attracts it.
How much soil does a carrot bed need?
A 4×8 ft bed filled 12 in deep holds 32 cu ft of soil — about 1.2 cubic yards. Use the Raised Bed Soil Calculator to size your own bed and get a bag count.
Companion plants
Onions, Leeks, Lettuce
FAQ
Why did my carrots come out forked or twisted instead of straight?
Forked roots usually come from stones, compacted or poorly prepared soil, or seedlings left too crowded. Loose, stone-free soil and early thinning fix it — not a different variety.
Why is my carrot germination so patchy?
Carrot seed takes up to 2–3 weeks to sprout and dries out easily at the surface in that time. Keep the top of the soil consistently moist — a light daily watering — until seedlings appear.
How deep does a raised bed need to be for carrots?
Give carrots 8–12 in of loose soil. Short or round varieties do fine in 8 in; long varieties like Imperator types need the full 12 in to grow straight.
More vegetables
Lettuce
Lettuce grows best in cool spring and fall weather. Sow ¼–½ in deep, thin to 4–12 in apart by type, and harvest leaf lettuce in 50–60 days.
Tomato
Tomatoes need full sun, 1–2 in of water a week, and soil above 60°F at planting. Space them 18–36 in apart and harvest 60–85 days after transplanting.