Growing carrots from seeds can be tricky – the seeds are tiny and need to be sown shallowly and kept consistently moist in order to germinate. For many home gardeners, purchasing carrot starter plants can take the guesswork out of growing this nutritious root vegetable. But where can you find quality, healthy carrot plants for sale?
Why Buy Carrot Plants?
Starting with carrot plants offers several advantages over sowing carrot seeds directly
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Established plants are more robust and tolerant of variable conditions Seeds and delicate seedlings are prone to stresses that can hamper development
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You skip the tedious task of thinning crowded carrot seedlings to proper spacing. Plants are spaced correctly prior to shipping.
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Plants mature faster, allowing you to harvest carrots sooner than if starting from seed.
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There’s no need to maintain moisture levels critical for carrot seed germination. Plants can tolerate some drying out.
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Buying plants eliminates weeks spent nursing tiny seedlings to transplanting stage in flats or pots.
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Healthy carrot starter plants are proven vigorous growers, avoiding seeds that fail to thrive or are genetically weak.
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You’ll know precisely how many plants you’re getting, allowing you to plan your harvest goal. Seeds can be guesswork.
Where to Purchase Carrot Starter Plants
You can find ready-to-plant carrot starters at most garden centers and nurseries, as well as from online retailers. Here are some top options:
Local Garden Centers
Many independent garden stores and nurseries carry vegetable starter plants or can specially order them. Benefits are getting to select individual plants in-person and not paying shipping costs. Drawbacks can include limited selection and not knowing when deliveries will arrive. Call ahead to check availability.
Big Box Stores
Major chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock a rotation of veggie starters including carrots in spring and fall. Look for organic plant brands to avoid pesticide use. Inventory varies by location and season. Selection is often basic – a couple varieties like ‘Danvers’ or ‘Rainbow Mix’.
Online Retailers
Websites like GrowJoy, Burpee, Gurney’s, and Jung Seed offer the convenience of home delivery. Reputable online sources have healthy plants, great variety, ordering flexibility, and useful growing information. Check sellers’ credentials, shipping policies, guarantees, and plant reviews carefully.
Local Nurseries
Supporting local and regional nurseries keeps gardening dollars in your community. These small businesses often grow their own plants or partner with regional suppliers. Staff are passionate experts. Verify nursery licensure for quality assurance.
Farmer’s Markets
It’s hit or miss, but some growers at farmer’s markets sell vegetable and herb starter plants. Ask vendors ahead of time if they’ll have carrot plants. Certified naturally grown or organic plants are ideal. Inspect plants closely before purchasing.
What to Look for When Buying Carrot Plants
To ensure you get vigorous, healthy carrot plants, inspect them closely before buying:
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Leaves should be bright green and not yellowing or wilted. Avoid any insect damage.
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Stems should stand upright, not be leggy or limp. Look for thickness and sturdiness.
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Roots should show at the bottom of the cell or pot but not be pot-bound.
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Avoid root crowns that are discolored or shriveled.
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Plants should not be root-bound or flowering/bolting.
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Seek organic plants not treated with synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
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Pick plants with established roots vs. freshly seeded pots. Mature plants cope with transplant stress better.
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Select plants suitable for your USDA hardiness zone and season.
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For autumn carrots, get mature plants not young seedlings to allow enough time to mature.
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Inspect plants thoroughly for any pests like aphids before purchasing.
How Many Carrot Plants to Buy
As a rule of thumb for fresh eating, plan on 10-15 carrot plants per person in your household. This will provide enough carrots for regular snacking and meals throughout the growing season. If you plan to preserve carrots by canning, freezing, or storing, increase the quantity to 20-30 plants per person to ensure sufficient yield.
Starter plants sold in flats will commonly have 18-36 plants per flat. You can also find individual carrot plants in small pots. Do the math to make sure you purchase enough plants. Remember your planting plans may change if pests or weather damages some plants. It’s ideal to have a few extra plants on standby.
Caring for Store-Bought Carrot Plants
Follow these tips for ensuring your new carrot plants thrive:
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Plant them as soon as possible after purchasing. Keep plants watered if planting is delayed.
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Water the starter plants well the day before transplanting.
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Carefully loosen root balls before planting but don’t damage roots.
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Dig proper sized holes in prepped garden soil based on root ball size.
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Water newly planted carrots well. Add mulch to retain moisture.
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Fertilize young plants per package directions to encourage establishment.
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Install a support frame or insect barrier to protect delicate plants.
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Monitor for pest damage and disease. Treat problems promptly.
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Weed regularly to eliminate competition for water and nutrients.
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Provide 1-2 inches of water per week for smooth growth.
Follow package instructions for optimal harvest times. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with bumper crops of sweet, tender carrots from your starter plants!
Learn more about how to get started!
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
Quick Guide to Growing Carrots
- You can only get Bonnie Plants® Crispy Crunch Baby Carrots from Lowes as part of the Foodie Fresh line. You can find a retailer in your area here.
- For a late spring or early summer harvest, plant carrots a few weeks before the last frost. You can also grow them again in the fall; just make sure to pick the carrots before the ground freezes.
- Space carrots 3 to 4 inches apart in full sun. Carrots can grow in some shade, which can be helpful in hot places.
- When you plant, add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Carrots need loamy, loose soil for best root development.
- After planting, water the plants right away, and then give them an inch of water every week. When the roots start to get big, give them two inches of water every week.
- When you plant, mix a continuous-release fertilizer into the soil, and during the growing season, add more as directed.
- To keep the soil moist, put mulch around the plants. This could be chopped leaves or straw.
- When you see the shoulders of the carrots coming up from the ground, it’s time to pick them. If you plant carrots in the spring, make sure you pick them before the ground gets too warm. If you plant carrots in the fall, make sure you pick them before the ground freezes.
- Carrots can be eaten raw as a snack, cooked or puréed, shredded and added to baked goods, or canned, pickled, frozen, or dried to keep them fresh.
- Carrots can be kept for up to two months in the fridge or a cool root cellar.
Watch This BEFORE You Plant Carrots
FAQ
What month should I plant carrots?
Can I plant carrots from the grocery store?
How long does it take for a carrot plant to produce fruit?
Can you just plant a carrot?
Can you grow carrots in pots?
Sow quick-germinating radish seeds between carrot rows. The radishes will grow quickly, and by the time the carrots really start to grow, they can be harvested. For a continued harvest, plant carrots every four weeks through mid-summer. Growing carrots in pots is a great way to customize the perfect growing medium and avoid pests like carrot flies.
Are carrots easy to grow?
Carrots are easy to grow when planted in loose, well-draining soil and in an area that receives ample sunlight. If you’re ready to start growing carrots in your garden, we spoke with experts to share how to grow carrots, their care needs, how to harvest, and some of the best varieties to try.
Can you grow carrots in containers?
You can also grow carrots in containers! It is important to grow carrots in a container that is deep enough for them at maturity. For baby or dwarf carrots, a 6- to 8-inch-deep container is needed. Standard carrots need a depth of at least 12 inches, if necessary, to accommodate a particular variety’s length.
Can you grow carrots from seed?
Carrots can be planted from nursery-grown seedlings, but the more common method is to sow seeds directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. But, carrot seeds are tiny making it difficult to plant them evenly. They may take as long as three weeks to sprout.