Growing Carrots – A guide for Phoenix, Arizona

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Growing Carrots – A Comprehensive guide for Phoenix, Arizona

Growing Carrots can be a joy in the low desert.  Carrots are known for their color and crunch.  They are a great addition to any garden.  In Phoenix they can be planted via seed from late August through March.  Navigating the intricacies of how to grow carrots will be the focus in this article.  With that said, let’s explore the details of growing, cooking, and enjoying your carrots during the fall, winter and spring months here in Phoenix.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Given Phoenix’s distinct weather conditions, selecting the right varieties is crucial. Here are top choices for growing carrots in Phoenix, AZ:

  • Bolero: A classic orange variety with dependable performance. Bolero carrots have a slight taper and a sweet flavor, making them ideal for fresh snacking and cooking. They usually mature in 60 to 70 days.
  • Scarlet Nantes: Known for its tender texture and vibrant orange color, Scarlet Nantes have excellent flavor even in warm climates. It typically matures in 65 to 75 days, making it a reliable choice for Phoenix gardens.
  • Short ‘n Sweet: These compact carrots are perfect for small spaces and container gardening. With their deep orange hue, crisp texture, and delightful sweetness, Short ‘n Sweet carrots mature in about 60 to 70 days.
  • Danvers: Featuring a slightly broader, cylindrical shape, Danvers carrots are great for slicing and cooking. This variety matures in 70 to 80 days, making it suitable for various culinary uses.
  • Yaya: A newcomer with rapid growth. Yaya carrots have smooth skin, deep orange color, and a touch of sweetness. They can often be harvested as early as 55 to 65 days after planting, offering a quick harvest.
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Growing Carrots has it's rewards.

Planting Techniques

Sowing carrot seeds directly into the garden soil yields the best results. They hate to have their roots disturbed and this makes transplanting carrots a horrible idea. As far as soil goes, a well-draining and loose soil will help carrots grow their taproots. Begin by loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches, removing any debris or rocks that could hinder root development. When planting the seeds, sow them roughly ¼ inch deep. If you are doing rows, keep those about a foot apart. It is extremely important to keep the seeds moist while they germinate. As it has been said many times before, “A dry seed is a dead seed”.

Optimal Soil Temperature

Carrot seed germination depends on optimal soil temperatures, which range from 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). During the fall, winter and spring months in Phoenix, these temperatures align well with the germination needs of carrot seeds, providing a suitable window for planting.

Watering Strategies

Effective watering practices are essential for healthy carrot growth. As mentioned above, keep the soil consistently moist during germination, being cautious not to retain excess water. As seedlings emerge, reduce the frequency of watering while maintaining uniform moisture levels. Utilize tools like soaker hoses or drip irrigation to prevent overwatering and water wastage.

Thinning for Healthy Growth

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When growing carrots be sure to space carrots far enough apart.

Proper spacing is crucial for growing carrots. Since the seeds are notoriously small, it’s tough to get a perfect spacing for carrots.  When they do finally grow, thin carrot seedlings to a distance of 2 to 3 inches apart when they reach a height of about 2 inches. This spacing encourages root expansion and prevents stunted growth. Thinning also allows sunlight to reach the soil surface, reducing the risk of fungal infections.

Succession Planting

Extend the carrot harvest throughout the fall, winter and spring by employing succession planting. This technique involves planting new seeds every two to three weeks, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh carrots. As mature plants are harvested, new ones take their place. Succession planting takes advantage of the temperature changes, and it helps to not be overwhelmed when all your carrots are ready to harvest all at once.

Harvesting and Storage

Carrots typically mature within 60 to 80 days, depending on the variety. Monitor their size and color to determine ripeness. When mature carrots reach a diameter of about 1/2 inch, gently pull one to assess its size. During harvest, take care not to damage neighboring carrots while removing soil from the roots.

After harvest, remove excess soil without washing the carrots, as excess moisture can lead to rot. Trim the tops to leave about an inch of greenery, extending their shelf life. Like most root vegetables, the leaves will start to dehydrate the root if left attached. Carrots store well in cool, dark locations like cellars, basements, or refrigerators.

Saving Carrot Seeds

Carrot that has gone to seed.

Here’s a quick 6 step guide to seed collection (The picture above shows what a carrot gone to seed looks like):

  1. Allow flowering stalks to mature.
  2. Monitor seed heads as they turn brown and papery, when completely dry it’s time to get the seeds.
  3. Gently extract seeds from the dry seed heads by using your fingers to gently knock the seeds off the flower head.
  4. Separate seeds from debris through rubbing or sieving. If you are outside use wind assistance to winnow and refine seeds.
  5. Make sure the seeds are completely dry. Air dry them if you need to, as wet seeds won’t store well.
  6. Store dried seeds in a sealed, labeled container in a cool, dry place.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves cultivating specific crops together for mutual benefits in growth and pest control. Consider these allies for your carrots:

  • Lettuce: Shallow roots don’t disturb the carrots, and the lettuce provides shade and prevents drying.
  • Onions and Garlic: Repel pests and deter nibbling creatures.
  • Chives: Protect against insects like aphids and thrips.
  • Radishes: Break up soil and mark rows, aiding carrot growth.
  • Rosemary and Sage: These Fragrant herbs discourage pests.
  • Marigolds: Repel nematodes and harmful insects.

Cooking with Carrots

Carrots ready to be cooked.

Beyond their nutritional value, carrots can be eaten in a ton of different ways:

  • Snacking: Carrot sticks with any dip is a popular snack.
  • Salads: Grated or julienned for texture and color make any salad better
  • Soups and Stews: Carrots add great flavor, texture and color to soups and stews.
  • Stir-Fries: Provide vibrancy and sweetness to any dish.
  • Roasted: Enhancing their sweetness through caramelization gives carrots entirely new depth of flavor
  • Desserts: Classic carrot cake or smoothies are always a crowd favorite.
  • Pickled: Tangy and crunchy there are a great addition to almost anything.
  • Puree: Use it this way in soups, sauces, or as a side.
  • Carrot Fries: A healthy alternative to potato fries. Sure, it’s not a French Fry, but what is.

In Conclusion

Growing carrots in Phoenix, Arizona, from the end of August through March requires careful selection, timely planting, soil management, watering, thinning, succession planting, and proper harvesting and storage. By following these practices and harnessing the versatility of carrots in your cooking, you can enjoy your harvest in a ton of different ways. Carrots are a fun and exciting crop to grow. So, Get out there and Garden!