{"id":184,"date":"2019-06-10T15:57:15","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T15:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justhomegardening.com\/?p=184"},"modified":"2022-08-03T12:58:46","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T12:58:46","slug":"a-beginners-guide-on-how-to-grow-carrots-in-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justhomegardening.com\/a-beginners-guide-on-how-to-grow-carrots-in-containers","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner\u2019s Guide on Growing Carrots in Containers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"growing-carrots-in-containers-minipin-image\"<\/p>\n

Are you thinking of growing carrots in containers right at your home? You certainly can! There’s absolutely nothing like growing your own fresh vegetables and it can be both fun and infinitely rewarding at the same time.<\/p>\n

For growing carrots in containers, all you really need is some soil, a container, some carrot seeds to get started and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by the juicy, delicious, fresh carrots you will be able to grow right in a container.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Without further delay, let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Growing Carrots in Containers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. What are the best carrot varieties for containers?<\/h3>\n

First things first, choose the right variety for growing carrots in a container. There are quite a number of carrot varieties enough to make your head spin- chantenay, danvers, imperator, nantes, baby carrot & parisian being the most popular ones. I have tabulated some tasty varieties that you can choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Carrot Variety<\/th>\nFacts<\/th>\nGet Seeds<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Nantes
\n(Good for beginners)<\/span>
<\/div>\"nantes-carrot-seeds\"<\/td>\n
– About 6 to 7 inches long
\n– Sweet & Crisp
\n– Skimpy foliage
\n– Cylindrical shape with not so pointy tip
\n– High sugar content
\n– Can grow in rocky soil
\n– Ideal temperature is 45-75F
\n– Germinates in 6 to 14 days
\n– Matures in ~65 to 75 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nChantenay

\n
<\/div>\"chantenay-carrot-seeds\"<\/td>\n
– Short & stout
\n– About 4 to 5 inches long
\n– Wider at the top, narrow but blunt towards the end
\n– Heavy foliage
\n– Pale orange in color
\n– Good for longer storage & canning
\n– Over mature carrots can grow a hard code
\n– Can grow in rocky soil
\n– Ideal temperature is 45F to 75F
\n– Germinates in 7 to 21 days
\n– Matures in 65 to 75 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nImperator carrots

\n
<\/div>\"imperator_carrot_seeds_packet\"<\/td>\n
– It’s the bugs bunny carrot!
\n– Very sweet
\n– 8 to 12 inches long and lean
\n– Tapering with pointy tips
\n– Heavy foliage
\n– Needs well cultivated loose soil to grow
\n– Needs container deeper than 12 inches
\n– Ideal temperature is 60F to 85F
\n– Germinates in 6 to 14 days
\n– Matures in ~65 to 78 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nDanvers

\n
<\/div>\"danvers-carrot-seed-packet\"<\/td>\n
– 6 to 7 inches long
\n– Slender but wider at top, Cone shaped
\n– Tapers to a point
\n– Strong foliage
\n– Can grow in heavy soil
\n– Ideal temperature is 60F to 85F
\n– Germinates in 6 to 21 days
\n– Matures in 65 to 75 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nParis Market\/ Parisian

\n(Fun Round Carrots)<\/span>
<\/div>\"paris-market-round-carrots\"<\/td>\n
– 1 to 2 inches long
\n– Little round carrot, looks like a radish
\n– Size of a ping pong ball
\n– Orange-red in color
\n– Can be grown in rocky soil
\n– Exquisite Taste
\n– Ideal temperature is 55-70F
\n– Germinates in 15 to 21 days
\n– Matures in ~50 to 60 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nRainbow \/ Kaleidoscope Blend

\n(Fun Colorful Carrots!)<\/span>
<\/div>\"rainbow-blend-colorful-carrots\"<\/td>\n
– Mix of 5 colorful variety of carrots
\n– Varieties: atomic Red, bambino, Cosmic purple, lunar White & Solar yellow
\n– Color: Red, Purple, White, Orange, Yellow!
\n– 4-8 inches long
\n– 1500 seeds
\n– Germinates in 14 to 21 days
\n– Matures in ~75-80 Days<\/td>\n		Buy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nantes:<\/strong> These are sweet and crispy, grow up to 6 to 7 inches long, more cylindrical than tapered. Recommended planting time is in spring so that they can be harvested from late summer through fall.<\/p>\n

Chatenay:<\/strong> These carrots with light orange flesh and red-orange core, grows up to 5 inches. They grow wide at the top and narrows down to cone-shape and mature in 65 to 75 days.<\/p>\n

Danvers:<\/strong> This variety is one of the easiest and least fussy carrots to grow. It grows up to 6 to 7 inches long, slender, but wider at the top than the other types. They take about 65 to 75 days to mature.<\/p>\n

Imperator:<\/strong> Imperator carrots are also known as “baby carrots”. They are the sweetest to taste, grows up to 8 to 12 inches long and slender. To grow, you’ll need a container that is more than 12 inches deep. These carrots should be harvested before they are completely mature. If they mature completely, they become woody and less flavorful.<\/p>\n

Rainbow \/ Kaleidoscope Blend:<\/strong> This seed pack is from “Burpee”, and contains a beautiful collection of 5 different colorful carrot seeds. The varieties include Red, Bambino, Cosmic Purple, Lunar White & Solar yellow. Their size varies from 4-8″ long.<\/p>\n

2. What Variety of Carrot to grow in Container?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can grow all kinds of carrots in a pot or container. But shorter varieties are a better choice when planting carrots in pots.<\/p>\n

If you are a beginner, go with Nantes or Chantenay seeds as they are easier to grow.<\/strong> These carrots are shorter & wider in girth and also produce sturdy roots and taste as fantastic as the others. Or if you want to try out something unusual and fancy, definitely get the Parisian or the Rainbow blend carrots seeds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I would recommend to make it more fun by showing a few different varieties in different containers. Doing so, you get to know the taste difference and also find out which variety you like more!<\/p>\n

3. When to plant Carrots in Containers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Carrots grow better in cool weather. Generally, it’s sown in between March to June. However, you can sow carrots anytime from early March to late August. If you live in a hotter climate, wait until the summer weather cools down and sow when the weather starts getting cooler.<\/p>\n

More or less any variety of carrots can be sown from March to August. As an extra measure, you can always read the recommendations on the seed packets or just ask the seller directly.<\/p>\n

\n
TIP<\/span>\n \t

If you want multiple harvest during the growing season, sow new seeds every 2 or 3 weeks to enjoy a regular supply of juicy carrots.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>

<\/div><\/p>\n

4. What is the Ideal Temperature to Grow Carrots?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The ideal soil temperature for germinating carrots is around 55F to 85F. Carrots grow well in 60F to 70F temperatures. So, take that into account before sowing the seeds. Check the seed packet for more information if available.<\/p>\n

\"rabbits-eating-carrots-spring-weather\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Container for Growing Carrots – What to use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can use a variety of household stuff that may have been lying around your house for growing carrots. e.g. old bucket, tall pots, drums, empty cans, milk carton, plastic box, even plastic bottles! But for convenience, I prefer using grow bags, as they usually have a flap on the side which makes it much easier to harvest.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The depth of the container depends on the type of carrots you are growing, some are taller and some are much much shorter. I recommend using at least 12-18 inch deep<\/strong> containers for growing carrots.<\/p>\n

\n
IMPORTANT<\/span>\n \t

No matter what you are using as a container, e.g a plastic drum or bucket, make sure you drill draining holes at the bottom if it does not have some.<\/p>\n

Heat a screwdriver head on your stove and push it through the bottom of your bucket to make several holes. Make them at least the size of a penny or quarter depending on the size of the container. Without draining holes the container can get water clogged and cause the carrot roots to rot and the plants to die.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>

<\/div><\/p>\n

Let’s help you pick the perfect grow bag for your carrots. Here I have listed 4 different grow bag options that you can use for growing carrots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Grow Bags<\/th>\nFeatures<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
4 Pack PE Material Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n(Best Value)<\/span>
<\/div>\"1-todoing-grow-bags-for-carrots-4-pack\"<\/td>\n
Product: Todoing Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n– 4 x 10 Gallon Grow Bags
\n– 18 inch Deep, perfect for carrots
\n– Size: 17.3″ X 18.1″
\n– Color: Green
\n– Made from environment-friendly PE material
\n– 5 draining holes- 3 under & 2 on the side
\n– Help roots grow healthy
\n– Velcro Access Flap for easy harvesting
\n– Handle for easy lifting & carrying
\n– Breathable & waterproof
\n– Suitable for indoor, outdoor, patio, terrace etc.
\n– Reuseable year after year
\n– Heat & cold resistant
\n– Warranty: No questions asked refund policyCheck on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
2 Pack PE Material Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n
<\/div>\"hyrixdirect-grow-bags-for-carrots-black-2-pack\"<\/td>\n
Product: HYRIXDIRECT Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n– 2 x 10 Gallon Grow Bags
\n– 17.9 inch Deep, great for carrots
\n– Size: 13.8″ X 17.9″
\n– Color: Black
\n– Made from Woven PE material
\n– 5 drain holes- 3 under the bag & 2 on the side
\n– Roots can breathe & grow healthy
\n– Velcro Access Flap for growth check & harvesting
\n– Reinforced double handle for safe transfer
\n– Waterproof
\n– Reuseable season after season
\n– Weather resistantBuy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
2 Pack Fabric Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n(Buy this if you buy only 2)<\/span>
<\/div>\"tvird-grow-fabric-bags-for-carrots-2-pack\"<\/td>\n
Product: Tvird Grow Fabric Bags<\/strong>
\n– 2 x 10 Gallon Grow Bags
\n– 17.8 inch Deep, suitable for most carrots
\n– Size: 13.8″ X 17.9″
\n– Color: Green \/ Black
\n– Made from Non-woven double-layer breathable Fabric
\n– Breathable fabric helps get rid of excess water
\n– Aerate roots for healthy growth
\n– Velcro Access Flap for quick check & harvest
\n– Firm carrying handles
\n– Foldable & Washable
\n– Last for long time
\n– Warranty: 12 Months moneybackBuy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
5 Pack Heavy Duty Fabric Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n(for Lots of Carrots!)<\/span>
<\/div>\"vivosun-20-gallon-grow-bags-for-carrots-5-pack\"<\/td>\n
Product: VIVOSUN 20 Gallon Grow Bags<\/strong>
\n– 5 x 20 Gallon Grow Bags
\n– 16 inch Deep, good carrots
\n– Size: 20″ X 16″
\n– Color: Black
\n– Made with 1\/8″ thick Non-woven double-layer breathable Fabric
\n– 300g thickened nonwoven Breathable fabric
\n– 360-degree air circulation
\n– Pots do not retain excess water, promotes vigorous growth
\n– Environmentally friendly, and BPA-free
\n– High quality handles sewed with serging stitches
\n– Can support full bag of soil
\n– No Access Flap on the side
\n– Can be used year after year
\n– Warranty: 3 yearsBuy on Amazon  <\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grow bags are usually made from 2 types of materials, PE and Fabric. The first 2 products are made of PE material and the last 2 products are of Fabric. PE bags are lighter can last year after year. The Fabric bags are however more sturdy, heavier, and lasts longer.<\/p>\n

Both types of bags can be washed, dried, and stored for next season. They are all suitable for using indoor, outdoor, garden, patio, terrace, etc.<\/p>\n

\n
How to Store a Grow Bag for using Year after Year?<\/span>\n \t

At the end of the season, you can dump the soil in a larger bucket, wash the bags thoroughly, hang them to dry out completely. Once dried fold and store in your shed or garage. That will certainly increase the grow bag’s lifetime.
\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>

<\/div><\/p>\n

If you plan to plant a lot of carrots in multiple grow bags, the #1 product, “Pack of 4 Todoing Grow Bags” would be the cost-effective option<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you are just starting out & need a couple of bags, I would recommend picking the #3 product, “2 pack Tvird Grow Fabric Bags”.<\/p>\n

If you plan to grow a large harvest<\/strong>, then check out #5 product, “5 Pack Heavy Duty Fabric Grow Bags”, these are wider and deep enough for growing carrots.<\/p>\n

6. Where to Place the Container for Growing Carrots?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The container for growing carrots<\/strong> should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight. Carrots need the UV light from the sun to grow a healthy harvest.<\/p>\n

However, if you are located in a hotter climate, you can keep the containers in partial sun. If you live in a cooler climate where the summer sun is not extremely hot, you can keep the carrot containers in a sunny location.<\/p>\n

\n
TIP<\/span>\n \t

If you place the grow bags in your patio or terrace, put a plastic plate or plant saucer [ico_extlink]<\/a> underneath so that any drained water does not flow all over your patio. Plus it will look nice!<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>

<\/div><\/p>\n

7. What is the Best Soil for Carrots in Containers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The best soil for carrots in containers is sandy loam.<\/strong> Carrot grows better in aerated, well-drained, loose soil through which carrot can grow straight down without hurdle.<\/p>\n

When choosing potting soil, you need to keep these important points in mind –<\/p>\n