Collection: Carrot Seeds

Grow some carrots for salads or for juicing

14 products

Carrot Seeds - Grow Organic

Carrots are a type of root vegetable that is typically orange in color, although they can also be white, yellow, red, or purple. Carrots are typically eaten cooked, but they can also be shredded and used in salads.

The taste of carrots varies depending on the variety, but they are generally sweet and crunchy. Some people find the taste of raw carrots to be unpleasant. Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A. They are also high in fiber and low in calories.

Enjoy our resource guide for Growing Carrots.  You can also learn more about seed starting in your organic garden with our resource center and buy everything you need with our Seed Starting Kit.

Sprouting carrot seeds is an engaging and rewarding activity for the home gardener. Carrots are a cool season crop, so they develop best at cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-65°F. However, they can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45-75°F.

Look and Flavor Profile

Carrot varieties can vary in color and taste. For instance, the Parisian Carrot is small, round, and known for its sweetness, making it a delightful choice for raw consumption or a quick steam. The Solar Yellow Carrot has buttery-yellow roots and is sweet and crisp. These carrots are noted for their classic Danvers shape, broad throughout and tapering to a small point.

Growing Conditions

Carrots prefer a soil pH of 6.0-6.6 and grow best in light, deeply tilled soils rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential, and some sand can be added to promote straight growth. Carrots require regular watering to keep the seeds moist during germination. A layer of mulch can help keep the roots cool once the plants are established. To avoid crowding and promote healthy growth, thinning the carrots to about 2-3 inches apart is crucial.

Planting Carrot Seeds

Carrot seeds are sown directly in the garden. It's important to prepare the garden soil properly: it should be loose and rock-free, worked to a depth of about 12 inches. Seeds are typically planted about ¼ inch deep and should be mixed with dry coffee grounds or sand to improve seed distribution and ensure even planting. Over-planting will require thinning to provide sufficient growing room for the carrots.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting can begin when the carrots are finger-sized, though they can be left in the ground until they reach mature size. To store, trim off the foliage and do not wash the carrots; instead, layer them in a container with a damp medium and store in cool, humid conditions.

Common Challenges

Carrots may face issues like bolting, root-knot nematodes, and pest attacks from carrot rust flies and slugs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, such as crop rotation, using row covers, and applying organic pesticides, can help manage these problems.

Seed Packets and Varieties

Seed packets generally contain detailed instructions on planting and care. Varieties like the Parisian and Solar Yellow offer unique flavors and are a testament to the wide range of colors and shapes that carrots can have.

In summary, planting carrot seeds is a fulfilling task for any gardener. With proper care, including soil preparation, consistent moisture, and pest management, these seeds can yield a bountiful crop of delicious and nutritious carrots.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.