Direct-sow Carrot seed 1 to 2 weeks before the
last spring frost date, when the soil has warmed up to 50°F. Prior to sowing, cultivate the bed deeply and thoroughly to promote baby root growth. Do not sow Carrots in freshly manured soil because they will fork (grow into odd mutant shapes). Keep the soil moist until they germinate. Thin seedlings 1″ to 2″ apart so each can grow with space and nutrition. Later, thin as desired by variety or preferred mature size.
Tomatoes love Carrots nearby: they appear to boost Tomato yields. The Carrot has come a long way since its wild days of old when its leaves and seeds were more popular than its woody, almost inedible taproot. Today, sweet, crisp-tender Carrots come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Along with
Celery and
Onions, Carrots comprise the aromatic French
mirepoix, the flavor base of stocks, soups, stews and sauces. Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, antioxidants and minerals, starch-free Carrots have a high sugar content, which explains their roasted caramelized goodness. We adore them steamed, braised and spiced, roasted, pureed into luscious soups and sweet-savory flans, shredded raw in salads, juiced, or mashed with
Potatoes. Needless to say, we love Carrots in Patricia Wells'
Almond Cake with Carrots and Lemon Thyme Sorbet, and in our own
Spiced Carrot Cake with Creamy Mascarpone Frosting. Deer resistant.
Average seed life: 3 years.