How to Grow Sweeter Carrots

Select a variety known to produce sweet-fleshed carrots. These include baby carrots such as Little Finger and Short ‘n Sweet, Danvers Half-Long, Nantes Ingot and Nantes Sweetness. Imperator Gold Pak and Imperator Tendersweet are best for sites where the soil is sandy and deep, as they produce longer roots, and this type of soil is easier for the roots to penetrate. Pick Imperators before they develop a woody texture.

Plant your carrots in midsummer for fall harvest, recommends the University of Illinois Extension, which suggests that carrots mature quickly during cooler temperatures. Fall vegetables have an anecdotal reputation for developing a sweeter flavor, and carrots tolerate light frost. Planting your spring crop early enough in the season avoids hot summer weather that slows growth and negatively affects the flavor.

Thin your carrot crop as growth progresses. Eat carrots at any stage of growth. Immature carrots are tender and may be sweeter. For mature carrots, harvest after your carrots reach a one-half to three-quarter inch diameter.

Improve your soil. Adding wood ash to the top 4 inches of soil provides additional potassium, suggests the National Gardening Association. Adding organic matter increases the soil’s water-holding and nutrition capacity.

Water your plants deeply as they grow. Water once weekly or more often if you have a sandy soil that loses water quickly. Water consistently. Stop watering as your carrots mature and the season nears its end prevents cracking.

Mulch your carrots if you see evidence of their orange color showing above the soil. Sunlight causes the exposed root to develop an undesirable flavor and green color.