How to Sow Giant Rainbow Carrot Seeds
This bright and colourful mix of F1 hybrids have been developed over the last few years, to present a variety of diversity in skin and core colours. Both when pulled early and served within a salad or when left for the Autumn as a maincrop. Once fully grown, expect delicious large vegetables, in shades of red, yellow, orange, purple, white & crimson. Perfect for cooler climates, as seeds will germinate in as low as 12 degrees, providing plenty of light.
Watch the video: to see Welldales seeds being sown by our gardening guru Graeme!
Plant & Grow Giant Rainbow Carrot Seeds
- Soil Preparation: Begin by preparing the soil. Avoid working the soil when it is wet to prevent the formation of lumps. Instead, dig or till the carrot bed deeply when the soil is on the dry side. This will help achieve a fine texture, which is important for the development of long and shapely carrot roots. Freshly manured soil should be avoided to prevent hairy, rough roots, as well as forked and split carrots.
- Seed Sowing: Sow the carrot seeds in rows spaced 30-40cm (12-16in) apart. The ideal sowing depth is 1/2″ deep. By working the soil beforehand to a depth of 25cm, this ensures sufficient space for the carrots to grow and develop their roots. Remember to wait until the danger of the last frost has passed before sowing the seeds.
- Seed Spacing: Thinly sow the seeds within the rows, leaving 30-40cm (12-16in) of space between them. Aim for approximately 4 seeds per 2cm (1in) to facilitate proper germination and growth.
Thinning: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to provide each carrot with enough space to grow. For carrots intended for fresh eating while smaller, thin to 16-20 carrots per 30cm. If you prefer a mid-season crop with larger roots, thin to 6-10 carrots per 30cm, depending on your desired root size.
Caring for Giant Rainbow Carrot Plants
- Maintenance: Maintain a weed-free carrot bed by regularly removing any weeds that may compete for nutrients and water. Ensure the carrots are consistently watered to keep the soil moist. These carrots thrive in sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The optimal temperature for growth is 12°C or higher.
- Carrot Fly Prevention: Carrot fly is a common pest that can damage carrot crops. To avoid attracting carrot fly, promptly dispose of thinned seedlings and keep the garden area clean.
- Germination and Maturity: The carrot seeds should germinate within 14-21 days. With proper care, the carrots will reach maturity within 70-80 days. Monitor their progress regularly to determine the ideal harvest time for your preferred level of maturity.
- Green Shoulder Prevention: As the carrots grow, take measures to prevent “green shoulder” by gently pushing soil up around the growing carrots. This will cover any exposed roots and prevent the formation of a green color on the upper part of the carrot.
