Carrot Season Extension

#1 • Summer Carrots: Spring Sowing for Summer Harvest

Most types of carrots can be planted in the spring for summer harvests. There are a few exceptions to this, involving variations between different varieties' reproductive triggers and flavors, corresponding to changes in temperature.

• Bolting. Carrots are biennial, taking two years to complete their lifecycle, so they require a "cool" season in order to produce seed. By virtue of this requirement, some types, when exposed to cool spring weather as juveniles, have a tendency to bolt — produce flowers and go to seed. Purple varieties, in particular, will typically bolt prematurely when sown in cool spring conditions.
  
  The types that more readily bolt have a higher cold-dormancy threshold temperature than those that do not bolt as readily. When this threshold is met, they are directed away from the energy-gathering/storing, root-development phase of their life cycle toward the reproductive, flowering/seed-production phase.
  
  When carrots send up flower stalks, the storage portion of the plant becomes woody and fibrous, rendering the crop unpalatable/unmarketable.
• Flavor. Although most types can be planted in the spring for summer harvest, in some varieties, maturation during the warmer weather of summer can result in off-flavors that are unpleasant.

These variations are why it is important to choose the right varieties for your spring sowings. Look for these 3 criteria when choosing varieties to plant in spring:

1. Varieties described as having good flavor even in warm conditions.
2. Earlier-maturing varieties, so they will be ready to harvest before temperatures become too warm.
3. Types/varieties that are not characteristically prone to bolting.

#2 • Fall-Harvest Carrots

Just as the flavor of some carrots can be ruined by warmer temperatures, fall-harvested carrot flavor tends to be better because the roots mature under cooler conditions. After a few light frosts, carrot roots often become even sweeter, which explains why fall-harvested carrots are so popular.

Once heavy frost threatens, however, your best bet is to either:

• Mulch beds with thick layers of straw (or whatever is on hand), if feasible; OR
• Cover beds with some thick row cover; OR
• Harvest the roots before heavy frost and prep for storage. To learn more about this process, read our recommendations on Carrot Harvesting, Post-Harvest Handling & Storage.

#3 • Winter-Harvest & Overwintering Carrots

Depending on your location, you may be able to leave carrots in the ground for harvesting through the winter into early spring. This can be facilitated by either mulching heavily or by planting your carrots in tunnels — options for which are also contingent upon climate and weather, as follows:

• Low Tunnels are ideal in locations where there is little to no snowfall, allowing the plastic to be easily lifted or removed to harvest roots when needed.
• High Tunnels or caterpillar tunnels are ideal for higher latitudes, as doors can be affixed to their endwalls, providing readier access to the roots once the winter snows set in.

Even in areas where low tunnels are appropriate, heavy row covers and mulching may need to be applied to prevent freezing. The trick is to keep the soil insulated just enough to allow for easy digging of the roots throughout winter.

If you can justify using tunnel space for overwintering your carrots (rather than for spinach production, for instance), there are a few advantages to this approach that digging and storing your carrots cannot provide:

• Overwintered carrots still have green tops. While the tops may appear a bit tattered and torn by mid to late winter, they can be snipped at 1–2" above the root shoulder, giving your overwintered carrots a fresher look that distinguishes them from stored carrots.
• You can dig carrots from tunnels whenever needed.
• "Storing" your carrots in the ground means additional free space for other purposes in your storage area.

For more information on planting times for overwintering carrots, visit our Overwintering Planting Chart.

Once you know which types to plant and when, extending the carrot harvest window is a matter of following through on each step and keeping track of timing, conditions, and results. Johnny's line of carrots is selected expressly to accommodate a range of conditions and help you provide a year-round supply of this versatile, popular vegetable. We encourage you to explore planting sequences, intervals, types, varieties, and methods to determine the practices that work best for you.

Further Reading

• Next up in our carrot-growing series:
• Carrot Harvesting, Post-Harvest Handling & Storage Tips • Article
• Common Carrot Pests & Diseases • Article
• Fundamentals of Carrot Culture: Bed Prep, Spacing, Weeding & Watering • Article
• More resources:
• How to Grow Carrots, with Dr. John Navazio • A Way to Garden • Blog