Tricks for Getting Carrots to Germinate & Grow

Temperature

• Carrots are a cool-weather crop and grow well at temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds germinate best at 55 to 75 degrees, although they will germinate at 40 degrees, so plant right after the soil is soft enough in spring from the winter freeze. Low night temperatures will not hurt the seeds. Seeds do not germinate when temperatures reach around 90 degrees.

Soil

• Making soil as loose and airy as possible aids in germination of carrot seeds. Soil must be broken up and organic matter mixed in to a depth of 8 to 9 inches. Remove any stones or clods of dirt. Soils that are crusted or heavy do not allow the seedlings to break through and inhibit germination. Using vermiculite, fine compost, sawdust or sand and keeping it moist will prevent soil from hardening.

Planting

• Carrot seed is very small and fine. Planting seed any deeper than 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep prevents them from germinating. Plant about two to three seeds per inch and add one radish seed every 6 to 12 inches. Radishes germinate fast and will mark the row for the two weeks before carrot seedlings emerge. Radishes do not inhibit the growth of carrots and can actually soften the soil, making it perfect for the seeds to germinate, so feel free to plant more radish seeds along with carrot seeds. Instead of using soil to cover the seeds, use a mixture of sawdust or sand, vermiculite and commercial potting soil.

Water

• Water seeds carefully after planting. A deluge of water will wash the tiny seeds out and letting the soil dry out will cause soil crusting. According to the Utah State University Extension, drip irrigation is the best way to water carrots. The moisture evenly distributes through the soil and does not crust the soil or dislodge the seed. Heavy rain can pack soil down and make it difficult for seed to emerge.

Protection

• A covering of clear polyethylene film not only warms the soil in spring. allowing for germination, but it also keeps soil moist and protects seed from heavy rain and washout. Remove the film when seedlings break through the soil.