Carrot
Scientific Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Description
Carrots are root vegetables cultivated for their long, tapering orange-colored roots, though they can also be found in purple, yellow, and white varieties. They belong to the Apiaceae family and are biennial plants, typically grown as annuals.
Where it Grows
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
- Netherlands
- China
- Japan
Planting
When
- Early spring for a summer harvest
- Late summer for a fall harvest
How
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm) and mix in organic matter.
- Seed Sowing: Sow seeds directly in rows about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep, spaced 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
- Row Spacing: Space rows 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
Care
Watering
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
Thinning
- Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall to ensure adequate spacing, leaving the strongest plants 2-4 inches apart.
Weeding
- Regularly remove weeds around the plants, being careful not to disturb the carrot roots.
Mulching
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
Fertilizing
- Use a balanced fertilizer high in potassium and low in nitrogen to promote root growth.
Pest Management
- Monitor for pests such as carrot flies and aphids; use organic pesticides or insecticidal soaps as needed.
Harvesting
- Harvest carrots when they reach a desirable size, typically 2-3 months after planting. Gently pull them from the soil, avoiding damage.
Common Problems
- Carrot Fly: A common pest that lays eggs near the base of the plant.
- Root Rot: Caused by overly wet conditions or poor drainage.
- Forked Roots: Resulting from rocky soil or inadequate soil depth.
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
- Excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body.
- Contains antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 41 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.6 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Vitamin A | 835 �g |
| Vitamin C | 7.6 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
Varieties of Carrot
- Nantes
- Imperator
- Danvers
- Chantenay
- Purple Dragon
- Baby Carrots
Health Benefits
- Supports eye health due to high vitamin A content.
- May improve skin health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Promotes digestive health through fiber content.
Fun Facts
- The world's largest carrot was grown in 2007 and weighed 18.5 kg (40.9 lbs).
- Carrots were originally purple or white before the introduction of the orange variety in the 17th century by Dutch growers.
- Carrots can continue to grow even after being harvested, if they are left in the ground during colder months.