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Daucus carota
wild carrot
Daucus carota
Daucus carota, also known as wild carrot or Queen Anne's lace, is a biennial herbaceous plant in the parsley family, Apiaceae. It is native to Europe and southwest Asia, and naturalized to North America and Australia. It has a characteristic umbel inflorescence and a tough, pale, edible root. The cultivated carrot is a cultivar of the wild carrot, selected for its larger, sweeter, less woody root.
CategoryDetails
Culinary UsageEdible plant
Medicinal UsageMedicinal Usage
Duration to maturity2 months to harvest
Estimated Plant Lifespan2 years lifespan
Sun Requirements6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun)
Pollination

Method: animal

Notes: Carrots are primarily pollinated by insects. Providing habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies can improve pollination rates.

Watering Requirements

Method: Top water

Frequency: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination and root development.

Notes: Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Humidity Requirements

Level: Moderate

Cleaning RequirementsThin seedlings early to ensure adequate spacing. Rotate crops annually to prevent soilborne diseases. Add compost to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
Temperature Range

Min: 4°C

Max: 29°C

Cultivars

Manchester Table

Price: $36
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Allium cepa
Common Onion
Allium cepa
Onions deter carrot root flies, a common pest of carrots.
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary is said to deter the carrot rust fly.
Foeniculum vulgare
fennel
Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including carrots, due to allelopathic chemicals.

Carrot Root Fly

The larvae tunnel into the roots, causing damage and making them unmarketable. Symptoms include stunted growth and reddish-brown tunnels in the roots.

Carrot Weevil

Adult weevils feed on foliage, while larvae burrow into carrot roots, causing damage. Symptoms include small holes in foliage and damaged roots.

Aster Leafhopper

These insects transmit aster yellows phytoplasma, causing distorted foliage and hairy roots. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves and abnormal root development.

Steps:

    • Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny location.
    • Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
    • Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
    • Thin seedlings to about 2-3 inches apart when they are a few inches tall.
    • Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
    • Weed the area around the carrots to prevent competition.

Neem Oil

Effective for controlling carrot pests like aphids and carrot root fly larvae.

Diatomaceous Earth

Can be used to create a barrier against soil pests.

Row Covers

Physically prevent pests from reaching the plants.