How to grow Carrot in Australia

Sow carrots direct in full sun in deep, loose, stone-free soil with no fresh manure, which causes forked roots. Keep the surface moist until the slow seed germinates, then thin seedlings to avoid crowding.

At a glance

Difficulty: Beginner
Sun: Full sun
Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
Spacing: 5 cm
Time to harvest: 85 days
Time to germinate: 18 days
Soil pH: 6 to 6.8
Frost tolerance: Half hardy

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	February to October
Northern Rivers NSW	February to October
Sydney & Coastal NSW	February to October	Extended cool season; reliable year-round except Nov to Jan heat stress.
Melbourne & Victoria	March to September	Extend summer sow: Mar to Sep (vs SEQ Aug to Oct). Melbourne's cooler temps reduce bolting.
Adelaide & SA	February to September	Mediterranean: avoid Jan sowing. Carrots grow well Feb to Sept; sow earliest Feb for early harvest.
Perth & WA	February to September	Mediterranean: avoid Jan sowing. Carrots grow well Feb to Sept; sow earliest Feb for early harvest.
Tasmania	September to February	Sow Sep to Feb. Late sowings hold in the ground all winter and sweeten with frost. Tasmania grows superb carrots.
Canberra & ACT	September to March	Sow Sep to Mar into warm soil; seed fails in cold winter soil. Mature roots stand through frost.
North Queensland	May to October	Dry season main window May to Oct. Carrot needs cool/moderate temps; plant after May start.
Darwin & Top End	May to October	Dry season main window May to Oct. Carrot needs cool/moderate temps; plant after May start.

Varieties

All Seasons
Chantenay Red Cored
Baby Amsterdam
Paris Market
Purple Dragon

Companion planting

Good companions

Avoid planting near

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Lift when the shoulders are coloured and finger thick or larger at the crown. Loosen the soil first, then pull by the base of the tops to avoid snapping the root.

Storage

Fridge in the crisper without tops, 2 to 3 weeks.