edible · design plant record

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Cultivated carrot

A direct-sown root crop with a small in-row footprint. The broad height range includes later growth; roots are normally harvested before flowering.

Height at maturity

0.08–0.91 m (0.3–3 ft)

Spread at maturity

0.05–0.08 m (0.2–0.3 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

2–11 · verify subzone and cultivar

Food crops grown for a season in the listed zones. This does not mean winter frost survival; use local weather and crop timing.

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Draining, uncompacted soil suitable for the selected root length; steady moisture during germination and growth.

Reject shallow, obstructed ground for a long-rooted cultivar. A shorter root form still needs suitable, clean, draining soil; changing cultivar does not resolve contamination.

Keep the care in the decision

Thin seedlings to the selected crop spacing. Check germination rather than assuming every seed becomes a harvestable root. Keep competing weeds small without damaging the developing roots.

Origin & safety checks

Domesticated crop associated with Central Asia and Afghanistan; garden seed only for this example.

Use correctly labelled cultivated carrot seed. Do not identify edible wild roots by resemblance to carrot foliage; dangerous lookalikes exist.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.