How to Plant Carrot Seeds in a Pot?

Can Carrots Grow in Pots?

Yes, without any doubt, you can grow carrots at home in a pot or containers. In fact, carrots are the easiest vegetables to grow indoors and outdoors.

Many people all over the globe grow carrots in their gardens.

The pots or containers need to be wide so that they can hold a lot of soil, and you wouldn’t have to waste your time watering carrots every time it becomes dry.

Pots also need to be deep to accommodate the roots of the carrot when it grows since the roots can grow 2 inches to a foot or even more.

Best Time to Plant Carrots

The Carrot plant generally likes to grow during cool seasons. Carrots usually prefer the cold temperature, and it can be planted even when the soil and air temperature is as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best time to plant Carrots is from mid-spring through mid-summer.

Carrots planted during this time period tend to have delicious roots and ultimately better quality of delicious carrots.

The only part where we need to be very careful is not to plant carrots during frost seasons.

It would be best if you planted the carrot for at least 4 to 5 weeks before the expected frost date of your zone.

The Best Varieties of Carrot to Plant

Finding the right varieties of carrots to plant is not that easy as you think. Depending upon the location, light, temperature, soil type, and place you live in.

You will have to choose the right variety of carrots to plant and grow.

Shorter carrots such as “Imperator,” “Thumbelina,” “Danvers,” “Short ‘N Sweet” are the most commonly grown gardens vegetables.

You can find them everywhere in the markets. They are about 6 to 10 inches long and takes about two months to two and a half months for the carrots to grow fully.

Besides these shorter varieties of carrots, there are various other carrots you can grow at your home.

Carrot Type	Carrot Size	Growing Period
Deep Purple Hybrid	7-8inches at maturity	77-80 days
Imperator 58	9 inches maximum	About 68 days
Kaleidoscope	About 8 inches maximum	About 75-80 days
Lunar white	About 6 inches maximum	About 65 t0 80 days

Best Pots to Grow Carrot

Pots and containers can be the best choice to grow and plant Carrots both indoor and outdoor.

Carrots are popular veggies that can be eaten raw, boiled, fried, or however, you like. Due to this reason, carrots are grown in large quantities for consumption as well as selling purposes.

The pot or container to grow Carrots should be at least more than 12 inches deep and at least 5 gallons pot size so that the roots can grow well.

The width of pots and containers depends on how much quantity you want to grow the carrots in your garden, i.e., the wider the pot greater the quantity of carrot you can grow at your home.

It is essential to have drainage holes at the bottom of your pots to overflow excess water that can rot your vegetable roots.

You need to have at least 2-3 drainage holes on the bottom of the container or pots. Drainage holes are vital for the proper outflow of excessive water from the soil.

So if your pots don’t have enough drainage holes, you can drill a hole at the bottom of the pot.

You can find various pots and containers made of clay, fabrics, plastic, and ceramic to grow carrots on Amazon.

You can buy this  Carrot planting plastic container at Amazon.

Pots and containers made of plastic and ceramics are best for growing carrots since they tend to hold soil moisture longer.

What Type of Soil do Carrots Need?

Soil provides the essential nutrients required for the growth and development of any plant. Similarly, Carrots also need soil rich in nutrients for their growth.

Sandy loam, loose, well-drained soils are favorable for planting carrots. However, very wet or tough soil is not favorable for the growth of carrots.

Organic soil with decomposed compost is very suitable for carrots.  Nitrogen-rich soil is unfavorable for growing carrots since it decreases the quality.

In contrast, high potassium and phosphorus content on the soil increases the root growth of carrots and their quality.

The soil pH value should be between 6 to 6.5 because high acidic soil can cause the roots to rot.

Carrot plants grow very well in potting mixes, which you can prepare by mixing 25% of sandy loam topsoil, 25% of organic compost manure,25% of vermiculite, and 25% of coco peat.

You can also the following soil mixes.

• Burpee Organic Premium Potting mix
• Espoma organic potting mix
• Miracle-Gro potting mix 

Organic soil mix rich in Potassium, Calcium is best for planting carrots which you can also buy at Amazon.

Materials Required to Plant Carrot Seeds in a Pot

Before planting carrots in a pot, you need to have the following things with you.

• Carrot Seeds
• Pot with drainage hole
• Water
• Potting soil mix
• Gloves
• Trowel

Planting Carrot Seeds in a Pot

Plant carrot seeds in a pot can be easy if you follow the given steps one by one,

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

First, you need to prepare an organic soil mix that is loose and well-drained. You can also buy the soil mix from the market.

You can also make a soil mix at home by mixing sandy loam soil, compost manure, vermiculite, coco peat on the ratio of 1-1-1-1.

Step 2: Fill the pot

Fill The pot with more than two-third of organic soil, which you have prepared or bought from the market.

Make sure they have more than one drainage hole.

Step 3: Watering the soil

You need to water the soil deeply before planting the seeds. This is because the topmost layer of the soil needs to be damp for a longer germination period.

Step 4: Sowing the Seeds

The direct method is used for sowing the carrot seeds into the soil. Since the seeds are too tiny, they need to de sown shallowly.

Make small holes in the soil and sow the seeds at least 4 seeds per 2 cm distance.

Cover the seeds with the help of a trowel. Firm the soil mix gently after seeding and make sure the seeds are not deeply buried.

Step 5: Watering the seeds

Water the seeds every day with a gentle stream of water to moisten the soil until the seeds sprout.

It will take about 2 to 3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. You can also water the seeds if you haven’t watered before sowing the seeds.

But be sure to water it gently without disturbing the newly planted seeds.

Quick Tip: You can use the tip of a pencil to make a small hole for seeds on the soil.

If you want to know more about how to grow Carrots, you can watch

Growing Carrots in a Pot

Parameters	Favorable Condition
Watering	Water them every day or once every two days
Soil pH	6 to 6.5
Temperature	Grows best in75°F during the day and 55°F during the night
Fertilizing	N-P-K fertilizers on carrot plants on the ratio of 5-15-15
Humidity	Germinates and grows faster in humid soil 70 to 80 % humidity
Light	6-8 hours of direct sunlight
Thinning	Thin your carrot plant when the plant gets about four inches tall.
Soil Temperature	Minimum 35°F and maximum 80°F

Growing is the most crucial step in the life span of a plant.

Growing Carrots can be pretty difficult if you are unaware of the right ways to take care of your plant.

You need to be aware of the things such as watering, temperature, fertilization, etc.

1. Light Requirement

The Carrot plant needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. So, it is best to put the Carrot plant in place to get direct sunlight during the day.

During its germination, you need to place the carrot plant in indirect sunlight for at least a month until the plant starts to grow.

2. Location Requirement

Carrots prefer full direct sunlight during the day. So, it would be the best option to keep them outdoor. However, they can tolerate heat, so it would be best for the plant to keep them in the west-facing garden.

That way, the plant can receive full afternoon sun, which is advantageous for its growth and development.

But if you have made up your mind about growing carrots indoors, it is also possible.

You need to place the plant in a bright place near the sunny window to receive direct sunlight during the day.

3. Watering the Young Carrot Plant

Once the carrot seeds germinate and the plant grows, it is best to water them every day.

You can also water the carrot once every two first, and you need to water the deep plant so that the water reaches its roots that are placed deeply on the soil.

4. Fertilizing the Soil

Fertilizers are the essential things that accelerate the growth and development of the Carrot plant.

It is best to use organic Fertilizers for the Carrot Plant.

Fertilize the carrots  5 to 6 weeks after planting to get maximum benefit.

Use N-P-K fertilizers on carrot plants on the ratio of 5-15-15, which is very beneficial for carrot plants.

You can also buy the fertilizer at Amazon.

5. Thinning of Carrots

You need to thin your carrot plant to make space for the rest of the plant to grow freely while absorbing the maximum nutrients.

You can thin your carrot plant when the plant gets about four inches tall. Thinning helps the carrot plant to reach its maturity.

6. Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for the carrots to grow is 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the night.

Carrot plants can survive in temperatures up to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carrots germinate and grow faster in humid so. Therefore, and you can use the humidifier if you have grown Carrots indoors.

The plant needs about 70 to 80 % humidity to grow well.

7. Control of Pests

Carrot Plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases.

Various pests like cutworms, wireworms, Leafminers, Green Peach Aphids are likely to rot roots and wither leaves of the carrot plants.

Common Name	Symptoms	Preventive Measures
Aphids	Yellow and distorted leaves with necrotic spots Stunted shoots Sooty mold on plant	Plant tolerant varieties Mulches and silver plastic can repel aphids
Carrot weevil	Dark grooves in zig zag patter on roots Leaves turn yellow	Plant umbelliferous resistant crops Try to rotate crops every year
Nematodes	Distorted and stunted taproots	Solarizing soil to a depth of 6 inches for 4-6 weeks will temporarily lower nematode numbers
Carrot Rust Fly	Surface tunnels on taproot Tunnels filled with rust colored mush	Use of Row covers will protect plant Install row covers before adult fly lay eggs on plants Don't leave any carrot behind while harvesting.
Flee Beetle	Small holes in leaves Plant growth stunted and plant may even die in severe cases	Use of Row covers to reduce emergence of beetles Application of thick layer of mulch Apply Neem oil Use of Diamotecoeus Earth

The table provides a summary of Pests and Diseases found on Carrots. These pieces of information are taken based on the scientific researched article.

Solution Measures for Pest Infestation

• Remove the pest if they are small in number by handpicking.
• Use cotton soaked in isopropyl alcohol for wiping off the insects. Diluting it first with an equal proportion of water.
• A strong water spray can also remove the pests; make sure to wrap the soil with plastic in order to prevent over-watering.
• Spray the insecticidal soaps.
• Yellow sticky traps are helpful for controlling flying pests.
• Neem oil, as well as horticultural oil, can remove pests.
• Apply Insecticides containing carbaryl, spinosad, bifenthrin, and permethrin.

Here is an article enabling you to identify and solve the Pest Infestation problem: How to Identify Insect Eggs on Leaves and Treat Pest Infestation?

8. Control of Disease

Fungal diseases like Alternaria leaf Blight, Black rot, Cercospora leaf Blight, Cottony rot, Downy Mildew, Powder Mildew, etc., are commonly found in Carrots.

Keeping the carrots at a low temperature and proper fertilization can help control the plant’s pests. You can just go through the table to get a clear idea to prevent pests and diseases in your growing carrots.

Common Name	Caused by	Symptoms
Alternaria Leaf Blight	Wet foliage and warm weather Rain and fog enhance development of fungus	Green brown water soaked lesions on leaves Lesions cause leaves to yellow and die
Black Rot	Caused by fungi, and disease spread through infected seed	Seedling damping off, root and crown necrosis Blighted foliage, black ring around petiole attachment Deep lesions on taproot
Cercospora Leaf Blight	Infested seed	Small necrotic specks on foliage, expand further into brown necrotic spots Lesions consolidate and cause leaves to wither, curl, and die
Powdery Mildew	Caused by high humidity, moderate temperature	Powdery growth on leaves Chlorotic leaves Severe infection on flowers
Downy Mildew	Caused by prolonged leaf wetness	Yellow spots on leaves White cottony growth on underside of leaves Lesions presence as they mature
Cavity Spot	Wet soils enhance growth of fungal disease Flooded soils increase number of cavities.	Gray Dark and Elongated lesions across roots Small vertical cracks on cavities
Damping Off	Caused by contaminated soil or equipment's.	Rotting seeds fail to germinate Rapid death of seed, after they have emerged from soil Water soaked reddish lesions around stem
Cottony Rot	Favored by soil that have been kept near to saturation for more than 2 weeks.	Small water soaked lesions on crowns and roots White cottony fungal growth all over tissues Decaying and soft tissue

Some of the bacterial diseases are:

• Soft Rot 

Caused by a long period of water-saturated soil which thrives in oxygen-depleted plant tissue.

Carrot shows the symptoms like dull orange lesions on taproot and collapsing and softening of the tissues.

• Bacterial Leaf Blight

Spread by splashing irrigation water and use of contaminated equipment.

Yellow spots on leaves turn brown, water-soaked lesions with a yellow halo, leaves becoming brittle, curled, and distorted and elongated lesions on flower stalks are some of the common symptoms of Bacterial Leaf Blight.

Preventive Measures for both Bacterial and Fungal Diseases

• Treat seeds with fungicide or hot water prior to planting.
• Apply gibberellic acid to carrot foliage to promote growth.
• Practice Long crop rotations.
• Plough crop residue into the soil immediately after harvesting.
• Plant different resistant varieties.
• Plant pathogen-free seed.
• Apply Fungicide and Bactericides Spray.
• Avoid excessive fertilization and over-watering.
• Plant carrots in well-draining soils.
• Disinfect all equipments before plantation.
• Overcrowding plant is not a viable option.
• Plant in raised beds.
• Use of drip irrigation 5-8 cm below the soil surface.

Read More: Common Disease and Pests in Carrot.

Harvesting Carrots in Container

Growing and Harvesting carrots are fun to carry out. After planting the seeds on the soil, it will take about 2 to 3 months before you can start harvesting the carrots.

It is vital to harvesting fully grown carrots every year once in a while.

You can also tell that the carrots are ready to harvest just by looking at the diameter of carrots, i.e., if it is between 3/4  inch to an inch in circumference.

If you leave the carrots in the ground without harvesting, the plant may die in the fall. Therefore to harvest carrots, water the soil a day before, which will loosen the soil first.

On the day of the harvest, Use a spade or trowel to dig the soil around the carrot and loosen it up a bit. Use your own hands and reach down and push the carrots to the side. When you feel like the carrot is not stuck anymore, pull it up gently, holding onto the root or base of the greens.

Conclusion

Growing a whole Carrot plant from a seed is a long process but a way more interesting process that you can carry out easily at your home.

The amount of care and effort you put in starting from seed while sowing it up is similar to caring for a newborn baby, a little difficult, but the result can be truly amazing and beneficial.