Ever wondered how do they grow baby carrots? Have you ever wondered if baby carrots are big carrots that have been cut into smaller pieces or if they are simply grown as baby carrots? If you’re interested in growing the real baby carrots yourself, we are all about that in this post.
Baby carrots are not your regular kind of carrots. They are one of the most popular types of root vegetables sold in the United States. Baby carrots can be incorporated in various dishes as well as high-end restaurants. They are even part of our staples and are used in party trays, crudités plates, as well as other cuts as side dishes.
Most parents love to make use of them because of their convenience to make use of these baby carrots in their kid’s food. In fact, most kids love these baby carrots in their food because they are sweet and fun to eat.
So, get the chance to discover how they grow the real grow baby carrots so you can as well benefit from this great-tasting carrot.
Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are the miniature version of full-size carrots that are around 3 to 4 inches long. There are two types of baby carrots. We have the immature carrots that are picked when they are still small in size. Then we have the miniature types which are the true baby carrot that appears small even when matured.
The concept of baby carrots actually came from a farmer in California named Mike Yurosek. His idea was to grow and sell carrots that were shaped into baby carrots that will be harvested and ready for snack consumption.
The new shape of the baby carrot has given the carrot a new face to it and it has helped increase consumption per person. Back in 2006, almost all baby carrots were processed and shipped outside California to all parts of the country.
A lot of grocery stores often sell and pack baby carrots that are manufactured from bigger carrots and they peel and cut them into smaller sizes. So, most times, those aren’t the real baby carrots. You can actually pinpoint the carrots that are been harvested before maturity because they still have that greenery attached to them.
Another confusing part is that certain carrot varieties are grown to only attain 3 to 4 inches. They are simply miniature carrots grown in container gardens or they are the ones that have rocky
Read more about Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
How Are Baby Carrots Grown?
Carrots generally are easy to grow and they grow fast. There are different types of carrot varieties that are available in various colors and lengths. All of these carrot varieties can be grown and harvested while they are young and slender. Then some carrots varieties are baby-like and naturally petite.
To grow baby carrots, you can obtain seeds that are smaller varieties of carrots. Some special cultivars have been bred to reach the baby stage. Here are some baby carrots varieties you can grow.
- Paris market
- Little fingers
- Babette
- Chantenay
- Thumbelina
- Amsterdam forcing
So, below are ways to grow baby carrots appropriately.
How Do Baby Carrots Grow?
You can grow baby carrots in garden beds, raised bed gardens, and even containers. Plant your carrots 2 to 3 months before your region’s first expected frost. The carrots can take about 70 to 80 days to attain maturity. So, follow these guidelines to successfully grow baby carrots:
1. Plant Site Preparation
If you’re planting in containers, select a wood pot or clay pot that has drainage holes. The container should be about 10 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Then choose your
If you will be planting in your outdoor garden, dig up the area you will be planting on. Loosen the
2. Seed Sowing
The seeds should be planted about ¼ inches deep. Once they’ve grown about 2 inches in length, you should thin them to give them adequate room to grow underground. Ensure the seedlings are 1 inch apart and if you’re planting in rows, they should be 6 inches apart.
RattleFree Little Finger Carrot Seeds, Heirloom and Non-GMO Carrot Seeds
3. Planting Radishes As Companion Plants
If you wish to further maximize your garden performance, you can grow radishes in between your carrots. Radishes tend to grow fast. Therefore, you can harvest them long before thinning the seedlings of your carrots.
4. Watering
Once you’ve sown your seeds, gentle watering is required so you don’t displace the seeds. The seeds require moisture for about 2 to 3 weeks or until they have germinated their first set of true leaves. The seed sprouting may take a while; just ensure you keep them moist so they can germinate at the right time.
However, ensure you don’t over-water or underwater them because this can make them not grow well. Just give them the right amount of watering so they can flourish.
5. Mulch
Mulching the upper layer of the
Harvesting Baby Carrots
The different varieties of baby carrots should be ready for harvest in about 55 to 65 days from the planting date. But for matured carrots, it can take about 75 days or more to be ready for harvest. Once they are around half-inch in diameter, you can pull the baby carrots out from the ground.
You can as well pull one to see if that’s the size you want before pulling out the others.
FAQ’s
Do baby carrots occur naturally?
Yes, baby carrots are grown from seed. You can find them in grocery stores and farmers markets. They are a nice addition to a salad or on their own.
Are baby carrots as healthy as regular carrots?
Baby carrots are a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a convenient, easy-to-eat snack. The nutritional value of baby carrots is comparable to that of regular carrots. Both contain vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Baby carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision, bone development, and immune function. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness, poor growth, and susceptibility to infections. They also contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect the body against cancer. One cup of raw baby carrots provides more than 50 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, more than 50 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, and more than 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin K. They also contain fiber, potassium, folate, and manganese. Baby carrots are a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and people who want to avoid gluten. They're also an excellent choice for children who don't like the texture of regular carrots. They're easier to chew and easier on teeth.
Where do baby carrots grow?
The best place to grow baby carrots is in a garden. The reason for this is that the soil is loose and easy to work with and the plants are not restricted by a pot or container. However, if you have no garden space then the next best thing is growing them in trays filled with rich, loose compost.
The ideal growing environment for baby carrots is the same as for any other vegetable – a sunny spot with plenty of good, well-drained soil. A raised bed works very well as it allows you to easily remove weeds and pests and keep the soil in a good condition. The soil should be loamy, fertile, and well-drained. You can use any composted manure, but you will need to ensure that you have enough nutrients. The best way to do this is by adding fertiliser when the plant is young. If you are growing your baby carrots in a container then you should add a fertiliser at the beginning of the growing season.
How long does baby carrots take to grow?
Baby carrots can take up to three weeks to grow. They require a warm, bright environment with good air circulation and proper soil. They also need to be harvested regularly so that they do not become tough and stringy. They are also grown in deep beds of compost or leaf mold to prevent soil from drying out.
Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens and farmers’ markets around the world.
How Do They Grow Baby Carrots: Final Say
How baby carrots grow is not so difficult. Baby carrots tend to grow fast and are pretty easy to grow. They can be grown for various reasons such as snacking, salads, or even add to your favorite stew.
Follow our guidelines on how to successfully grow baby carrots so you can enjoy this great-tasting veg.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
