edenhana

Carrot

A staple root crop needing loose, stone-free soil; carrot rust fly is the main pest to plan around in NZ gardens.

Sun
full sun
Water
moderate
Spacing
5cm
Harvest
Ready in 60-80 days
Difficulty
beginner
Grows in
Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
Expected yield
Root per plant, thinned rows
Cost to grow
~$6 NZD
Grocery value
~$30 NZD
Companion plants
Bush beans, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Radishes, Leeks, Sage, Rosemary
Plants to avoid nearby
Dill, Parsnips, Parsley, Celery
Common diseases
Alternaria leaf blight
Common pests
Carrot rust fly

When to plant by region

In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: January-May and September-December. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson and Tasman: January-April and September-December. In Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast and Christchurch / Canterbury: January-February and September-December. In Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: January and September-December.

Growing stages

  1. Germination & sowing2-3 weeks

    • Needs loose, stone-free soil worked deeply to grow straight roots, since stones and clumps cause forking
    • Germination can be slow compared to most vegetables, so keep the bed evenly moist while waiting

  2. Seedling & establishment

    • Thin seedlings early to give roots room; disturbing them releases a scent that can attract carrot rust fly
    • Full sun and consistent moisture support strong early root growth

  3. Root development

    • Carrot rust fly remains the main pest to plan around through this stage; fine mesh covers help exclude egg-laying adults
    • Alternaria leaf blight can appear on foliage in humid weather

  4. Harvest60-80 days from sowing

    • Lift as needed once roots have sized up, watching for carrot rust fly damage near the crown
    • Roots left too long in the ground can turn woody or split, so lift once they've bulked up

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