CROP INFORMATION:

Crop name:  Carrots

Scientific name: Daucus carota

Family name: Apiaceae

Cultivar groups: Nantes, Imperator, Danvers, Chantenay

Warm season or cool season: Cool season

PLANTING INFORMATION:

 

Space between plants/between rows:

0.5-0.75 in. spacing (Thin by hand) 12-18 in. row spacing

Fertility requirements:

• 110-150 lbs. N   Based on a yield of 20-25 tons/acre, 75-100lbs K, 50 lbs P
• Deep loose soil
• Refrain from using compost prior to planting, results in branching

Watering needs: 1 inch per week

Number of days from seed to transplant and/or seed to harvest: 75 days to harvest

Planting instructions: Direct seed or transplant:

• Direct seed 2-3 lbs/acre or .0625 oz. per 100ft row

PEST/DISEASE INFORMATION:

Insect pest considerations: Aster leaf hopper- direct injury, virus- Rotate susceptible plants, remove favorable weeds. Carrot rust fly- emerge during cool moist conditions- have clean fields, plant in windy fields, use row covers. Carrot weevil- dig holes and lay eggs in the top of carrots

Plant pathogen considerations: Aster yellow disease- transmitted via leaf hopper. Leaf blight- irrigate early in the day, plant wide rows, use disease free seed, crop rotation

Average yields: Market carrots- 8-12 tons/acre

HARVEST & STORAGE INFORMATION:

When to harvest: Harvest only mature carrots. Immature carrots only last between 4-6 weeks in storage.

How to harvest: Prior to harvest irrigation should be suspended to allow for dry soils that won’t stick the carrots. For long term storage carrots must be topped.

Optimal time of day to harvest: Carrots should be harvested when the temperatures are still cool. If harvested during hot weather risk of bacterial breakdown increases.

Washing: Thoroughly wash.

How to cool it: Hydro cooling partially from the washing process.

Storage temperature and relative humidity: Carrots should be stored as close to 32 degrees without freezing. They require a high relative humidity and last the longest over 95% relative humidity.

Storage Life: Mature carrots can last 4-5 months in proper storage.

Common Problems:Carrots can’t be stored with apples, pears or any ethylene producing fruit. Ethylene causes bitterness in carrots. Carrots are susceptible to bruising, tip breakage and cracking. Careful handling is necessary. Carrots continue to sprout after harvest, quick cooling and temperature management is necessary to prevent further growth.

 

Year	Variety	Date Planted	Date Harvested	Days to Harvest	Yield (lbs/sq. ft)