🌱 How to Grow Desi Carrot (Long) from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: देशी गाजर (Lambi Gajar)

• Tamil: நாட்டுக் காரட்

• Telugu: దేశీ కరెట్

• Malayalam: ദേശി കാരറ്റ്

• Kannada: ದೇಶಿ ಕ್ಯಾರೆಟ್

• English: Desi Long Carrot

• Botanical Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus

1. 🌞 Choose the Right Season

• Best time to sow:

  • North India: Sep–Jan (cool season crop)

  • South India: Aug–Feb

• Ideal temperature: 15°C–25°C

• Prefers cool weather for root development

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, deep, sandy loam or loam

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Important: Remove stones and clumps to allow long roots

• Mix in compost, cow dung, and wood ash before sowing

3. 🌾 Sow the Seeds

• Sowing method: Direct in-ground or deep containers

• Depth: ¼ to ½ inch (0.6–1.2 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Rows: 8–12 inches apart

  • Seeds: Thin to 2–3 inches apart after germination

• Cover lightly with fine soil and mist water gently

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination

• Avoid overwatering – it causes cracking

• Water early in the morning or evening

5. 🌿 Germination

• Takes 7–15 days to germinate

• Ensure good sunlight and warm daytime temperature

• Thin out overcrowded seedlings early

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily

• Grows best in cool temperatures

• Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Add compost or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — promotes leafy growth over roots

• Use wood ash or banana peel tea to boost potassium

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

• Common pests: Aphids, root maggots, fungal leaf spots

• Control:

  • Neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

  • Use well-drained soil and rotate crops to avoid disease

  • Remove infected leaves

9. 🥕 Harvesting

• Harvest time: 90–110 days from sowing (varies by climate)

• Carrots are ready when the shoulder (top) is visible and thick

• Loosen soil gently and pull out by holding base of greens

• Avoid letting roots grow too old — they become woody

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Allow a few carrots to flower and seed if saving seeds

• Collect seeds after flowers dry

• Store in a dry, cool place

🌟 Health Benefits of Desi Carrot

• High in beta-carotene – supports vision and skin health

• Rich in fiber – aids digestion

• Contains vitamins A, K, C, and antioxidants

• Natural body coolant during summer when juiced