How Long Do Carrots Take to Grow?

Carrots typically take 70–80 days to grow from seedling to harvest. On top of that, carrot seeds can take 2–3 weeks to germinate. This means that growing a carrot from seed until harvest takes about 100 days. You can speed things up by growing smaller types, like Parisian carrots. A smaller variety of carrot will usually take 2 months before you can harvest fresh carrots from your garden.

How Long Do Carrots Take to Grow from Seed?

Most varieties of carrots take 14–21 days to sprout from seed, pending they receive the correct amount of sun, water, and other necessary nutrients. Once the carrot seeds sprout, each plant will need to grow for 70–80 days before it’s ready to harvest. The green tops grow tall first. Then, the edible carrot root grows larger under the soil surface.

• When planted at the correct depth, carrot seeds germinate 2–3 weeks after planting.
• Once the seedlings sprout, they require 70–80 days of growth before they’re ready to harvest.
• The carrot tops grow first, and then the edible portion grows under the soil.
• The edible part of the carrot plant should be around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter before you harvest.
• Dig down into the soil with your finger if the carrot is not poking up enough to see it clearly.

You’ll know when your carrot harvest is ready by looking at the top of the edible portion. When it is 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, you can begin harvesting carrots. Oftentimes, the upper part of the carrot will poke out of your garden soil when it’s ready. If not, you’ll need to gently dig down a bit with your finger to check on your plants.

How Long Does It Take to Grow a Carrot from Another Carrot?

You cannot grow a carrot from another carrot. Only the top will grow if you plant the carrot scraps. The root portion will not regenerate. A replanted carrot top will produce white flowers and seeds in 4–6 weeks.

• Planting carrot scraps will not allow you to grow more edible carrots.
• The carrot scraps can grow white flowers and produce seeds.
• A replanted top requires 4–6 weeks before it flowers.
• When grown as biennials, carrots flower in their second year of growth.
• Do not use your homegrown seeds unless you can protect your plants from cross-pollination.

As biennials, carrots usually produce flowers and go to seed in their second year of growth. By planting the carrot scraps, you force that process to happen sooner. Carrots are susceptible to cross-pollination from wild plants, such as Queen Anne’s Lace. If you cannot keep them isolated, it’s best not to use seeds from your garden. A cross-pollinated seed will produce a crop of carrots that are tiny and spindly.

How Many Carrots Do You Get from One Plant?

You only get one carrot from each seed that sprouts. The edible part of the carrot is actually the root of the plant. The tiny seedling above ground turns into the carrot top. The actual part that you eat develops beneath the soil’s surface.

• Each seed only produces one carrot since the edible portion is the root.
• Carrot seedlings do not survive being transplanted.
• Plant carrots 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) apart to get the best results.
• Preserve your harvests by thinning out plants if too many seedlings pop up in the same spot.

Carrot seedlings will usually die if transplanted. So, you’ll need to plant the seeds where you intend the plants to grow. Plan to grow carrots 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) apart to allow for their full growth. Always thin your carrot seedlings down if you plant them too close together. Overcrowding can cause carrots to twist together or develop small, stunted roots.

Are Carrots a Fast-Growing Vegetable?

At 70–80 days from seedling to harvest, carrots grow moderately fast. Their 2–3 week germination time slows things down a bit, too. Faster growing carrot varieties do exist though.

• Carrots grow moderately fast with most varieties taking only 70–80 days to go from seedling to harvest.
• Because it takes carrot seeds 2–3 weeks to germinate, expect to harvest carrots 100 days after you plant the seeds.
• Parisian carrots and other smaller varieties can grow from seed to the harvest stage in just 50 days.

To speed things up, grow Parisian carrots instead. They can grow carrots from seed in about 50 days. They are much smaller than regular varieties though. Expect to get radish-shaped carrots that are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in size. Other 50-day carrots to consider include Thumbelina, Mokum, and Parmex.

Can You Grow Carrots Faster?

The only surefire way to grow carrots faster than 80 days is by selecting a smaller variety. When you do that, you’ll get edible carrots in just 2 months. Larger carrots require that you just wait it out to ensure they reach their full size and develop a nice sweetness.

• Large carrots need time to reach their full size and develop the right flavor.
• Only smaller varieties of carrots can grow faster than 80 days.
• High-quality soil and 6–8 hours of sunlight help all types of carrots grow best.
• Apply a complete organic fertilizer at the start of the growing season to help your carrots grow.

For all carrot varieties, help them grow their best by providing high-quality soil and 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Also, work a complete organic balanced fertilizer, like this one, into the soil before planting your seeds. Carrots need a good balance of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to reach their full potential. Apply the fertilizer at the start of the growing season for best results.

How Many Months Do Carrots Take to Grow?

Most carrot varieties take 100 days to grow from seed to harvest. Smaller carrot varieties grow in just 50 days. The most popular quick-growing carrots include Thumbelina, Parisian, and Parmex.

• Carrots usually take 70 to 80 days to reach harvestable size when grown from a seedling.
• If you are growing carrots from seed, expect to harvest 100 days after sowing seeds.
• Smaller varieties of carrots can grow to full size in as little as 50 days.
• You will need one seed for each carrot you want to grow.
• Carrot scraps only grow new tops and seeds, not harvestable fruit.
• Avoid using carrot seeds from your garden unless you can prevent cross-pollination with wild plants.

It’s often best to experiment with different types of carrot seeds each year. Over time, you’ll find what grows best in your garden and meets your expectations. If you want ultra-fast produce harvests, go with radishes, which often grow in just 5 weeks tops.