If you’re trying to grow your carrot in your garden, then there’s a high chance that you’re wondering where the seeds are. Although the seeds are small, they are quite easy to find.
Back to your question, “Where do carrot seeds come from?”
The simple answer is that you’ll find carrot seeds on the stalk and the flower heads. Keep the carrot tubers inside the ground for 2 complete years without taking them out.
At that time, the plant will use the energy it has stored to develop stalks used for seed production.
Although it is a biennial plant, you can uproot them in the same year you plant them, which means they’ll never produce seeds.
Keeping your carrot for long before harvesting it will help you get seeds. It is easy for you to gain carrot seeds instead of always buying them at the nearest stores.
6 Interesting Facts About Carrots
- The botanical name for the carrot is Daucus Carota. It grows between 6-12 inches in the root, has a 1-foot foliage height, and spreads about 9 inches.
- Carrots originate from the native area of Europe and Southwestern Asia. The most popular carrots are orange in color. However, they also exist in red, white, black, and yellow colors.
- The carrot root has massive quantities of alpha and beta carotene. It also serves as a great vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 source.
- 45% of the carrots grown in the world are from China. They can either be eaten raw or included as an ingredient for various cuisines.
- Carrots grow at their best under full heat, but they can also take some shade. The right temperature is between 16 to 21 degrees Celsius. It performs well in well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is deep and loose.
- Carrots’ common problems include Alternaria, carrot rust fly, nematodes, worms, and even leaf blight.
How Long Does It Take For Carrot Seeds To Mature?
Once the flowers on the carrot completely wither, the seeds start to germinate and mature. It will take about 10-21 days for the seeds to mature, while the process from seeding to harvest takes about 50-75 days. When the seeds are ready, you can place them in a dry place before you consider sealing them for proper preservation.
Also, it’s important to note that these seeds don’t grow well when the soil is wet. So if you’re planning to grow it with fresh manure, you might want to reconsider for that reason. You must also keep your carrots away from heavy winds and pluck out the weeds to ensure that it comes out healthy.
How to Extract Carrot Seeds
The first step in extracting carrot seeds is to harvest the umbels. However, you will only be able to do this when the flowers begin to dry and turn brown. Put the seed collection in a small paper bag, then let it dry up.
Another method you can try out is using a small container or glass jar to store the seeds and make sure the lid is airtight. An airtight lid will help you keep your seeds in great condition and prevent it from being contaminated.
Rub the carrots vigorously in between your palms. You can also use a mesh screen to speed up the process. Use a brush to remove the stems that are holding the seed. This process will make your seeds cleaner. If you store these seeds properly, you can use them for planting even after 6 years.
However, remember that it’s the right method of storage that will guarantee its longevity.
How to Plant Carrots
Before you begin planting carrots, you need to know the ideal time that works best. Your carrots will grow well during a cool season. This means that you can start planting the seedlings when it is two or three weeks before the last frost of spring. If the climate is warm, you can consider planting it in fall or winter.
The next factor to consider is the site for planting. Make sure the place you choose is sunny for at least 6 hours daily. You have to grow your carrots on fluffy soil in raised beds to grow properly.
Give it an appropriate spacing of about two to inches from each other. Plant the seed ¼ inch into the ground. You need to follow the right procedures so that they will have enough space and access to sunlight as they grow. It is important to note that carrots don’t require support to grow into full maturity. However, they don’t do well if you transplant or disturb their growth.
How To Care For Carrots
Do you want to have great results with your carrots? Then, you will have to care for it properly.
Water
If you want your carrots to grow properly, you will have to water them at least once every week. You can use mulching to save water and make your soil cool for a long time.
Soil
The ideal soil type for growing carrots is a slightly acidic one that ranges between 6.0 and 6.8 in pH. Make sure there are no rocks and clumps in the soil that can cause the roots to split and deform.
Light
For carrots to develop their sugars and grow quickly, it requires full sun or partial shade. Although the roots germinate underground, you need the right amount of light to produce better results.
Temperature
The biennial crops are grown annually and in every climate; however, you can plant them in late fall or winter. It grows best in nighttime temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and for daytime at an average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Use a high-quality vegetable fertilizer for you to nourish the carrots. If your soil lacks organic matter, you can use a fertilizer about 2 weeks after the carrot tops begin to sprout.
Final Thoughts
Surely, this article must have answered your question about where carrot seeds come from. However, the entire planting process of carrots can be challenging, especially when the carrots come out bland and with tough roots.
Once you decide to follow the specific guidelines for growing and caring for carrots, you will also be able to harvest sweet carrots from your garden.
