Germination: 6-21 days Full Sun
Choose a sunny spot that hasn’t been manured in the last 12 months. (Too much nitrogen negatively affects the taste of carrots and promotes branching, fibrous roots.. Also makes sure that your soil is light, stone-free and dug down to at least 2’.
Carrots prefer a pH value between 6.5 to 7.5 and soil that is high in potassium.
Starting Indoors: Not recommended.
Direct Seed: Sow sparingly at a depth of .5cm and try to space the carrot seeds about 1cm apart (which can be challenging, as the seeds are tiny). Rows should be 25 to 30cm (10 to 12”) apart. Seeds can be mixed with sand to make sowing easier. Alternatively, draw a shallow drill 1-2cm deep and sow very thinly, preferably covering the drill with sand.
Keep the soil moist throughout germination and be patient—carrot seeds are not always easy to germinate. (Really—make sure to not let the soil dry out when geminating carrots—it can truly be the difference between excellent germination and next to nothing.) Once the seedlings reach 4cm in height, thin out the weaker seedlings and leave the stronger plants 2cm (1”) apart, watering beforehand to avoid damaging nearby roots. Be careful not to crush the leaves of the seedlings you’re tossing out, as the scent can attract the carrot root fly.
Maintenance
Once germinated, carrots need very little maintenance and after care. Just keep them weed free (by hand if possible, to avoid scoring the roots) and provide adequate water.
During the growing season, carrots need 2cm of water per week. Soak well when watering to encourage good root growth. Be careful not to overwater, as excessive water may encourage leaf growth (instead of root growth). If you planted your carrots in fertile soil, they should not need any extra feeding./p>
Provide protection (fleece or clothe) for early and late sowings./p>
Harvesting
One of the best qualities of the Autumn King is that it is a great keeper, either left in the ground throughout the winter or stored in the root cellar. It can withstand particularly cold temperatures if given proper protection.
The roots themselves should be ready to harvest about 12 weeks after planting them. If your soil is loose enough, simply pull them up by the foliage. Otherwise carefully loosen the soil around the roots with a garden fork.
Companion Planting
Carrots love being grown next to tomatoes, leeks, onions, rosemary, lettuce and sage.