When to Harvest Carrots: Size Days plus Digging
Knowing when to harvest carrots starts with root width. University of Illinois Extension notes carrots can be pulled once roots are at least 1/2 inch across, while most varieties are left to reach 3/4 inch, about 60 to 70 days after planting. Finger carrots are usually ready within 50 to 60 days.
The short answer
Harvest most carrots once roots reach at least 3/4 inch across, about 60 to 70 days after planting, then pull them over a 3 to 4 week period. Finger carrots are ready in 50 to 60 days. Loosen soil with a digging fork first, since tops may snap if pulled.
How do you know carrots are ready?
University of Illinois Extension notes carrots can be pulled once roots are at least 1/2 inch in diameter. Most varieties are left until they reach at least 3/4 inch, about 60 to 70 days after planting. Utah State University Extension notes roots generally mature 70 to 100 days from seeding.
| Type or stage | Timing | Root size |
|---|---|---|
| Finger carrots | 50 to 60 days | Small |
| Most varieties | 60 to 70 days | At least 3/4 inch |
| Earliest pull | When roots size up | At least 1/2 inch |
| Full maturity | 70 to 100 days | Variety dependent |
| Harvest window | 3 to 4 weeks | After reaching size |
Source: University of Illinois Extension plus Utah State University Extension.
Can carrots handle frost?
Yes, light frost. Utah State University Extension notes temperatures down to 32 F do not seriously damage plants, plus plants can stay in the garden after light frosts. University of Illinois Extension notes summer planted carrots may stay in the ground until a killing frost, plus straw mulch can extend harvest until the ground freezes solid.
How should carrots be pulled?
Dig rather than yank. University of Illinois Extension notes carrot tops may not be sturdy enough to pull from the ground, so digging helps lift roots without damage. Utah State University Extension suggests loosening soil with a digging fork, pulling plants by the tops plus trimming off leaves.
How to: step by step
- Count days from sowing.
- Brush soil off a shoulder to gauge width.
- Pull when roots reach 3/4 inch.
- Loosen soil using a digging fork.
- Lift by the tops plus clip leaves.
- Cut tops 1 inch above the root for storage.
Troubleshooting
Forked roots: stones, poor soil prep or nematodes. University of Illinois Extension notes poorly prepared soil is the most frequent cause.
Cracked roots: uneven watering. Utah State University Extension notes wet plus dry periods favor root cracking.
Tough, woody roots: left too long. UF/IFAS notes carrots grown past their prime turn tough plus woody.
For related reading see when to harvest outdoor cannabis, cannabis taproot vs fibrous roots plus frost damage on cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Carrots in the garden, Utah State University Extension
- Carrots, University of Illinois Extension
- Carrots, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
FAQ
How long do carrots take to grow?
It varies by type. University of Illinois Extension notes finger carrots are usually ready within 50 to 60 days, while other varieties take about 60 to 70 days to reach 3/4 inch. Utah State University Extension notes roots generally mature in 70 to 100 days, plus UF/IFAS gives 70 to 120 days.
Can carrots stay in the ground over winter?
Often. Utah State University Extension notes many gardeners overwinter carrots in the garden under heavy mulch plus harvest them as needed. University of Illinois Extension suggests mulch, row cover or a low tunnel to hold snow off, plus digging winter carrots when temperatures are above freezing.
How do I store carrots?
University of Illinois Extension suggests cutting tops one inch above the root plus storing at 32 F with high humidity. Utah State University Extension suggests 32 F plus 95 percent humidity for 2 to 4 weeks, or moist sand in a cool cellar for several months. Do not store carrots with apples or pears.
Why are my carrots small?
Crowding plus soil are common causes. University of Illinois Extension suggests thinning to one seedling per 1 to 2 inches for larger varieties plus preparing soil 8 to 9 inches deep. UF/IFAS suggests loosening soil about a foot deep plus clearing rocks or roots. Utah State University Extension thins to 3 inches apart.
Why do carrot shoulders turn green?
Sun exposure. University of Illinois Extension notes sunburning of exposed root tops can be avoided by pulling a small amount of loose soil up to the row while roots swell, about 40 to 50 days after planting. Do this once roots begin swelling so the shoulders stay covered with soil.
