Different Carrot Propagation Methods

Carrots are one of the most popular crops grown all over the world. They're hardy plants and can grow best in cooler climates. They can even withstand light frosts. For this reason, planting carrots in early spring is the best option. There are other varieties of carrots that can grow well even in winter and fall.

Carrots require soil that is completely free of rocks, sticks or twigs. Any kind of debris can injure the growing tip of a carrot. This could make it fork, or stunt the root. Unlike most crops, carrots can be propagated in more than one way. This is one of the best features of these plants.

Carrot Seed Propagation

• When planting carrot seeds, ensure that the soil is well drained and loose. The best way to do this is working the soil a little early in spring.
• Make sure that the soil is dug to a depth of 12 inches.
• Carrot seeds usually germinate two weeks after they have been planted.
• However, you can speed the process a little by soaking the seeds in water for 6 hours before planting them. In this case, the seeds will take about 10 days to germinate.
• Sow the seeds shallow in the soil so that they get adequate warmth from the sun.
• You can sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil, tamp them lightly and cover the soil with a thin layer of compost that has been finely sifted.

Carrot Top Propagation

This method is used less often. It involves growing carrots from cutting the top of an existing carrot. Here you will have to use carrots that still have their greens attached to the top.

• Cut the top of the carrot, while leaving about 1 inch of the carrot under its leaves.
• Place the cut top in a cup of water inside a clear plastic bag.
• Cover the bag, and if the water levels reduce, replenish it.
• Eventually the root stem grows and you can transplant the carrot when the carrot fills up the cup, or when the leaves begin to grow again.

These are two ways to grow carrots successfully. Here are some things to keep in mind when growing this vegetable.

• The roots of carrots growing in a garden should not be exposed to the sun, as they can turn bitter and green.
• Carrots require a lot of potassium, so sprinkle wood ashes over the place where you will plant them before sowing the seeds.
• Mulching the soil will help keep it moist, which will be perfect for the growth of the plant.