CARROT-SOLAR YELLOW

Daucus carota 

CARROT-SOLAR YELLOW originates from the Middle East as early as the 14th century. Sweet crispy juicy roots are said to be sweeter than orange roots and grow 18 to 20 cm (about 7.87) long and darken with cooking. 

Prepare soil 30 cm (about 11.81 in) or deeper so it is loose, friable, and free of roots, rocks, or debris that will distort their shape from growing straight. Heap up rows to sow several seeds 1cm (about 0.39 in) apart into a small trench drawn into the top of the heap. Cover lightly and firm down gently then water carefully so as not to dislodge the tiny seeds. Their long growing season means you need to plant them 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, or 90 days (about 3 months) before the first frost to harvest a crop in Spring before it gets too hot in Summer. 

Constant moisture is extremely important during the germination period. Thin out the weedy and week seedlings roughly 4-10 cm apart when the green tops reach 2 cm in height. This is crucial to ensure the strongest carrots survive as they don’t like being overcrowded. Once thinned, add low nitrogen mulch (no grass clippings) and high phosphorus (e.g., Blood and bone) around the base of the leafy top. This will reduce weed growth and retain moisture. Cover the exposed crowns as needed until ready for harvest in 60 to 80 days (about 2 and a half months)