Sow indoors
—
Sow direct
March – July
Plant out
—
Harvest
June – November
Days to maturity
70–80 days
Position
Full sun
Frost sensitive
No
Min soil temp
7°C
Sowing and planting calendar
| Method | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under fleece / cover | Late February | March | Mild regions only. Soil must be above 7°C. |
| Outdoors (main crop) | March | July | When soil temperature exceeds 7°C. Sow every 3–4 weeks for succession. |
| Late / storage crop | June | Early July | For autumn harvest and winter storage. |
Regional variation: In Scotland and northern England, reliable outdoor sowing starts in April when soils warm sufficiently. In Cornwall and the south, late February sowings under fleece are possible.
Growing tips
Soil temperature matters more than the date
Carrot seeds germinate best above 7°C. Sowing into cold soil means seeds sit and rot. A soil thermometer is invaluable — or wait until you see weed seedlings emerging.
Never add fresh manure
Fresh manure causes forked, misshapen roots. Prepare the bed in autumn with well-rotted compost, or grow in soil that was manured the previous year.
Thin early and decisively
Thin seedlings to 5cm apart when they're small. Thinning releases the scent that attracts carrot fly, so do it in the evening and water afterwards to mask the smell.
Sow successionally for a longer harvest
A single sowing gives a glut in July and nothing in September. Sow in small batches every 3–4 weeks from March to June for harvests from late June to November.
Common problems
Carrot fly
Tiny flies lay eggs near carrot plants; larvae tunnel into roots leaving rust-coloured channels. Damage is often only visible at harvest.
Fix: Grow under fine mesh or enviromesh. Erect a 60cm physical barrier around the bed. Use resistant varieties like Flyaway or Resistafly.
Forked roots
Roots split and fork — caused by fresh manure, stones, or compacted soil.
Fix: Prepare a deep, stone-free bed. Never add fresh manure before sowing. Use a deep sandy soil or raised bed with added grit.
Poor germination
Seeds fail to germinate — almost always due to cold or dry soil.
Fix: Water the drill before sowing. Cover with fleece if cold. Keep moist until seedlings emerge — this can take up to 3 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When should I sow carrots in the UK?
Most UK growers sow outdoors from March to July when soil temperature is above 7°C. Early sowings under cover are possible from late February in mild regions.
How do I prevent carrot fly?
Use fine mesh or enviromesh over the crop, or erect a 60cm solid barrier. Carrot fly only fly at low level. Resistant varieties like Flyaway also help.
Why are my carrot roots forked?
Almost always caused by fresh manure, stones, or compacted soil. Prepare a deep, stone-free bed and avoid adding manure the same year.
Related guides
Keep track of your carrots in Vercro
Add your carrots to a bed and each morning Today shows the jobs that matter for them, from how far along they are and your local forecast. The Record keeps what you sowed and picked.
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