When is the latest planting time for carrots?
Carrots are generally sown in summer and autumn and harvested in autumn and winter. Based on the characteristics that the seedling stage requires high temperatures and the root enlargement stage requires cool conditions, as well as the climate of different regions and different varieties, the sowing period is arranged so that the seedling stage falls in a relatively warm season and the root enlargement stage falls in a cool season. To supply fresh carrots in summer, early-maturing varieties can be sown in spring, but the seedling stage must avoid excessively long periods of low temperature to prevent the seedlings from passing through the vernalization stage and bolting prematurely.
Carrot Planting Time
The best time to sow carrots is between Minor Heat and Major Heat, but in recent years, due to market demand, spring-sown carrots have also appeared. Spring sowing is earlier, generally carried out from late February to early March!
Carrot Planting Temperature
Carrots are semi-cold-tolerant vegetables. The suitable germination temperature is 20-25°C, and the suitable growing temperature is 18-23°C during the day and 13-18°C at night. Temperatures that are too high or too low are both unfavorable for growth. Carrots have well-developed root systems, so deep plowing of the soil plays an important role in promoting vigorous root growth and enlargement of the fleshy root.
Carrot Planting Soil
The soil should be deep sandy loam, with a pH of 5-8 being more suitable. The required soil moisture is 60-80% of the soil's maximum water-holding capacity. If there is too much water in the early growth stage, the aboveground part will grow too vigorously, which will affect the enlargement and growth of the fleshy root; if there is insufficient water in the later growth stage, the taproot cannot fully expand, resulting in reduced yield. Soil that is too heavy and sticky or the application of undecomposed base fertilizer will hinder the normal growth of the fleshy root and produce deformed roots.Carrot Seedling Stage Management
When the seedlings have 7-8 leaves, while the soil is moist, hoe deeply to control growth, promoting downward extension of the main root and development of fibrous roots, and inhibiting excessive leaf growth. After 10-20 days, when the fleshy root has clearly enlarged, begin watering thoroughly and keep the soil moist regularly. When there are 3-4 true leaves, apply 2-3 kg of ammonium sulfate, 3-4 kg of superphosphate, and 2-3 kg of potassium fertilizer per mu. When thinning to a stand, apply 10 kg of diammonium phosphate and 3-4 kg of potassium chloride per mu together with watering to promote strong and rapid seedling growth. When the fleshy root begins to grow, apply quick-acting organic liquid fertilizer or diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, etc. Spring carrots are harvested 90-100 days after sowing; autumn carrots are harvested and stored before the severe winter arrives.
Alright, after looking at the carrot planting time, let's take a look at carrot planting techniques!