Carrot Seeds,
Little Finger

Little Finger carrots can be planted in both spring and late summer for two separate harvests. In cooler climates, sow seeds 3-5 weeks before the last expected frost in spring or about 10 weeks before the first fall frost. In warmer climates, carrots can grow throughout the winter. Ensure soil temperatures are between 50 F and 75 F for optimal germination. It’s best to check your local frost dates and adjust planting times accordingly. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow the seeds directly into the garden bed about 1/8 inch deep and space or thin them 2-3 inches apart. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which takes about 12-18 days. Avoid overwatering to prevent root diseases.

Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Applying a light mulch can help maintain moisture and keep the soil cool, which carrots prefer. Carrots require a steady supply of moisture and benefit from a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer to promote healthy root development.

Carrots are biennial, meaning they flower and produce seeds in their second year. To save seeds, leave a few carrots in the ground over winter or dig them up and replant them in spring. Once the flower heads turn brown, cut them off, dry them further indoors, and then thresh them to collect the seeds.