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 tricky hydroponic root crop needing a deep, loose medium. The taproot wants 15–25 cm of unobstructed, fine substrate such as perlite, vermiculite or washed sand, since any stone or compaction forks the root. Water-culture systems like NFT and DWC cannot grow carrots, so use media beds or deep containers. Hold EC around 1.6-2.0 mS/cm and pH 6.0-6.8. It is cool-season, best at 15–24°C; above 28°C roots go pale, fibrous and bitter. Keep light moderate, 14-22 mol/m2/day. From seed to harvest is 65 to 80 days for standard types, 50 to 60 for baby varieties. Sow seed directly into the medium, since carrots resent transplanting, then thin to 3–5 cm spacing. Harvest when the root shoulders are 1.5–2 cm across at the surface. Short, round varieties suit shallow beds better than long Imperator types. The tops are edible, good in pesto or chimichurri. In aquaponics media beds carrots grow well alongside other root crops.
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. |