Carrots
Vegetable Farming in South Africa

Scientific name: Daucus carota L. Common Name: Carrot
©Louise Brodie
Carrots in bunches.

Plant Description

An erect biennial plant with the root being the edible part.

Uses

Is consumed raw or cooked and can be juiced.

Soil Requirements and Preparation

Deep, loose, well-drained, sandy loam soils. Prepare soils to depth of 600 mm, and planting on ridges is beneficial. The optimum pH is between 5,0 to 6,0. Test and treat for nematodes if required. A crop rotation program is advised where carrots are cultivated regularly. Fertilize before planting by working the first application of fertilizer into the top15cm of the soil of the plant area.

Climate

Carrots are a cool-season crop and can withstand moderate frost and is fairly adaptable to high temperatures of 28°C and higher. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 5°C or over 30°C are detrimental to development of the edible root. Optimum temperature for growth is 15 to 20°C.

Cultivars

Nantes, Cape Market, Danvers, Fancy, Chantenay, Ideal Red, Kuroda.By Louise Brodie
 Next - Planting