Carrot

We deliver around 2 490 000 kg’s of carrots per year!

The carrot is a root vegetable most commonly observed as orange in color, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist, all of which are domesticated forms of the wild carrot.
Historical evidences show that the first cultivation of carrot was not for the roots, but for their aromatic seeds and leaves. As a matter of fact, carrot seeds as old as 2000 to 3000 BCE have been recovered from Southern Germany and Switzerland.

 

Nutritional Benefits

With only 41 calories in 1/2 cup, this delicious food is packed with health benefits. They are a great source of vitamin A and contain carotenoids that may help protect against prostate, colon and stomach cancer.

General Growing Conditions
The plant
The carrot is a root vegetable, most commonly observed as orange in color, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars all of which are domesticated forms of the wild carrot Daucus carota, native to Europe and Southwestern Asia. The plant probably originated in Persia and was originally cultivated for its leaves and seeds. The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the stems and leaves are also eaten. The domestic carrot has been selectively bred for its greatly enlarged, more palatable, less woody-textured taproot.
Soil type and pH
Deep, loose, well-drained sandy to loamy soils, not subject to capping, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 are ideal for carrot production. The crop produced in humusrich soils tends to increase in foliage excessively and forms forked and hairy carrots. The roots also tend to be more rough and coarse on the outside. Brack soils should also be avoided as carrots are very sensitive to saline soils.
Growth period

Carrots are harvested when they have reached a diameter of 20 mm and more, still young and tender. When very slender carrots are needed for certain markets or for baby carrots, harvesting can commence earlier. Usually when the carrots have reached the mature stage, their base tips appear on the soil surface.

Irrigation

The soil should never be allowed to dry out. Too much moisture causes short carrots with light colour and a larger diameter. The field should be irrigated lightly immediately after sowing. Irrigation water should be applied once or twice a day using a solid-set sprinkler system. Watering should gradually be reduced to prevent longitudinal splitting of the roots when the crop approaches maturity. Water stress during root development also causes cracking of the roots, which also become hard.

Special Sensitivities
Aphids

Colonies of aphids sometimes occur on the leaves and crowns, and flower stems of carrots. They suck the sap from the plants resulting in retarded growth, yellowing and restricted seed production. Control can be achieved by spraying with a registered pesticide.

Red spider mite

Red spider mite is generally not a serious pest in carrots but the numbers can increase rapidly as it gets warm.

Diseases

Alternaria blight and bacterial blight are the most common diseases that could be encountered with carrots. The diseases can be controlled by disinfecting seed with a seed dressing containing thiram or captab or sowing certified seed. In areas where blight is a problem, carrots should not be cultivated on fields that remain damp for long periods in the morning after dew. Crop rotation can be practised.

Planting and Fertilizing
Fertilisation Timing

Carrots have low nitrogen requirements and good yields can be obtained with 80 kg/ha of nitrogen applications. Nitrogen can be applied at planting and the remainder at 4 to 8 weeks. Forty kilogrames of phosphorus per hectare are sufficient to produce a good crop. The crop has a high potassium requirement and half is applied as side dressing at 4 to 8 weeks after planting. The balance is applied as late dressings.

Sowing and Planting Time

In South Africa, carrots can be planted throughout the months of March – June, or September through December. 

Planting Method

The seeds are directly sown in the field on ridges or raised beds. Row planting is preferred to broadcast sowing. The seeding depth should be 10 to 25 mm or 40 mm in loose, light sands. Planting depth should be shallow on heavier soils and in colder months. Slightly deeper planting is recommended in summer when the soil dries out quickly. The chance of a successful establishment of the crop will be increased if the seed is sown in moist soil and only if the soil is kept moist.

Fresh from the Kitchen

using Carrots

Glazed Carrots

Topped with brown sugar, butter and parsley, this is an easy and inexpensive side dish that’s perfect for a holiday meal or an everyday dinner.

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Ginger Carrot Soup

This healthy carrot ginger soup has a velvety smooth texture thanks to the addition of some creamy Greek yogurt. Delicious warm or cold!

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Easy Carrot Cake

You can make this quickly and easily without lots of fancy equipment. Not only is this the best tasting carrot cake we’ve made, but it’s a cinch to make.

Learn More

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