Carrot Seeds

Carrot Seeds FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Carrot Seeds in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to Plant Carrot Seeds

Carrot seeds are best sown directly into the garden, as they do not transplant well. In the UK, you can start sowing carrot seeds from early spring, around March, continuing through to early summer, usually until July. Early sowings can be done under cloches or in cold frames to protect the seedlings from late frosts. For a continuous harvest, sow carrot seeds every two to three weeks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh carrots from late spring through to autumn. Some late varieties can be sown in July or August for an autumn or early winter harvest.

How to Grow Carrots from Seed

To grow carrots from seed, start by preparing your soil well. Carrots prefer light, sandy soil that is free from stones and well-drained. Dig the soil deeply and remove any large clumps, as compacted soil can cause the roots to fork or grow poorly. Sow the seeds thinly in rows about 1cm deep, spacing the rows 15-30cm apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently to avoid disturbing the seeds. Carrot seeds can take a while to germinate, usually around 10-20 days, so keep the soil moist during this period. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to about 5-10cm apart to allow space for the roots to develop fully. Mulch around the seedlings to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the roots from splitting.

How Long Does It Take to Harvest Carrots?

The time to harvest carrots depends on the variety and growing conditions, but most carrots are ready to harvest 10 to 16 weeks after sowing. Early varieties can be harvested from late spring to early summer, while maincrop varieties are typically ready from mid-summer to autumn. Harvest carrots when they have reached their full size and the roots are firm and brightly coloured. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the roots with a fork and pull the carrots out by their tops. If the weather is warm, it's best to harvest carrots in the evening when the soil is cooler to prevent the roots from becoming too soft.

Why Grow Carrots from Seed?

Growing carrots from seed allows you to enjoy a wider variety of flavours, colours, and sizes than you might find at the supermarket. Whether you’re looking for sweet, crisp baby carrots or large, hearty roots for winter storage, starting from seed gives you complete control over the growing process. Carrots are a low-cost crop to grow from seed, and direct sowing means you can plant them exactly where you want them to grow, without the need for transplanting. Growing from seed also ensures that your carrots are fresh, chemical-free, and harvested at the peak of flavour and nutrition.

Where Can You Grow Carrots?

Carrots are versatile and can be grown in various locations, including traditional garden beds, raised beds, and deep containers. They thrive in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Carrots can also be grown in smaller garden spaces or on balconies, as long as the containers are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Carrots grow well alongside companion plants such as onions, leeks, and radishes, which can help deter pests like carrot fly. By carefully selecting your planting location and companion plants, you can maximise your carrot crop's health and yield.

Why Carrot Seeds from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Carrot Seeds.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.