Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Also known asGarden carrot · Wild carrot (cultivated) · Zanahoria · Karotte
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–10 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1.8 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A moderately challenging hydroponic root crop requiring deep, loose growing medium. The taproot needs 15–25 cm of unobstructed, fine-grained substrate (perlite, vermiculite, or washed sand) to develop straight. Any stones, compacted areas, or obstructions cause forking. Standard water-culture systems (NFT, DWC) cannot grow carrots; media beds or deep containers are necessary. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-6.8. Temperature: 15–24°C (cool-season crop; above 28°C, roots become pale, fibrous, and bitter). Moderate light (DLI 12-18 mol/m2/day). From seed to harvest: 65-80 days for standard varieties, 50-60 days for baby types ('Adelaide', 'Atlas'). Sow seeds directly into the growing medium (carrots don't transplant well because the taproot is disturbed). Thin seedlings to 3–5 cm spacing. Harvest when the root tops are 1.5–2 cm diameter at the soil line. Short and round varieties ('Paris Market', 'Thumbelina') are better suited to shallow media beds than long varieties ('Imperator'). The greens (carrot tops) are edible and flavorful: use in pesto, chimichurri, or as a herb garnish. For aquaponics media beds, carrots grow well alongside other root crops in the same bed.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Origin | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nantes | open pollinated | 70 | Cylindrical, blunt-tipped, snaps cleanly. The default home-garden type and the most forgiving of shallower beds. Multiple sub-strains (Nantes Half-Long, Touchon, Bolero F1). | |
| Danvers 126 | heirloom | 75 | 1947 release; tapered shape, very heat-tolerant, stores well. The traditional storage carrot in much of North America. | |
| Chantenay Red Core | heirloom | 65 | Short and stubby (15 cm at most). Specifically bred for heavy or shallow soils; works in 20 cm media beds where Nantes would fail. | |
| Bolero F1 | hybrid | Vilmorin | 75 | Nantes-type with strong disease resistance (Alternaria, powdery mildew, cavity spot). The reliable commercial-grade hybrid; what most U-pick farms grow. |
| Cosmic Purple | open pollinated | 70 | Purple skin, orange interior. Same growing habit as Nantes; the visual novelty justifies space for some growers. |