Growing Carrots in Alaska
HGA-00025 View this publication in PDF form to print or download.
Some Facts
Carrots are among the most popular vegetables. Those grown in Alaska are high in quality due to a greater accumulation of sugars in the root. Bitterness is unknown because aster yellows, a virus disease occurring in other areas, is not found here.
The carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa) was introduced from Europe and is well adapted to our growing conditions. It is a biennial that is an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C and G (B2). Arizona, California and New Mexico produce most of the fresh carrots, and the northern states produce most of the processing carrots in America.
Types and Shapes
Long (10 to 12 inch), slender types are the most popular fresh carrots. The Nantes type is only slightly larger in diameter and is very uniform throughout its length (6 to 7 inches). The shorter, thicker types, such as Chantenay and the extremely short French Forcing carrots, are grown for home use and processing. These last types are best suited for the cold soils of Alaska, but long, slender carrots are in greater demand.
Soil Condition
Carrots develop best in warm, loose, well-drained deep silt or sandy loam. Compact, cold, poorly drained soils cause crooked, forked roots and heavy tops. Alaska soils can be prepared to meet preferred conditions by rototilling and mounding or ridging. Mounded rows should be 10 to 12 inches high and 12 inches wide at the top. The mound sides should be at right angles to the sun’s rays to gather the most heat. Rows should run north and south to expose both sides of the mound to the sun during the course of the day. The few degrees gained in soil heat this way are important. Carrots do well in cool climates but not in cold soils. Soil acidity (pH) should be from 6.5 to 7.0 pH. Yields may drop off rapidly at lower pH readings, because phosphorous is not as available at lower pH values.
Planting
It requires 3 pounds of seed to plant an acre of carrots. If pelleted seed is used,
the actual weight will be less. Seeds should be covered uniformly not more than ½
inch deep. Place soil firmly over seed to ensure good contact. Carrots are slow to
germinate: in 50°F soil, they require approximately 18 days; in 60°F soil, approximately
12 days. Soil moisture is important during planting to ensure that seeds germinate
when planted at a shallow depth. Planting the seeds deeper to ensure an adequate moisture
supply is not satisfactory because the weaker seeds may never push a sprout above
ground. Shallow planting and providing moisture in this shallow layer are both very
important for rapid plant emergence.
Thinning
As soon as the stand has fully emerged, thin carrots 2 inches apart.
Fertilizer
Alaska soils are generally low in phosphorous. Up to one thousand pounds per acre of 8-32-16 analysis fertilizer may be required. Soil testing should be used to determine exact fertilizer requirements. Broadcast half of the total amount of fertilizer before rototilling to ensure fertilization throughout the root zone. Place the remaining half of the fertilizer at the center of the double rows. It is advisable to apply additional nitrogen in regions of heavy rainfall before the early summer growth decline period. Uniform, rapid growth produces quality carrots.
Irrigation
Commercial carrot production should not be attempted unless supplemental water is available by some reliable method. Early moisture is important for carrot production. Later irrigation should be timed to keep the ground from drying out.
Weed Control
Chemical weed control is important for good carrot growth. Carrot leaves grow slowly and are lacy. They are not able to compete with broad-leaved weeds or grasses or to shade them out. It is imperative that weed competition be eliminated.
Cultivation
If the soil has been well prepared and is not a heavy clay type, cultivation before seeds are planted is unnecessary. Cultivation permits weed seed to germinate by bringing it to the surface, and it allows increased soil drying, which results in a need for irrigation. As the shoulder of the carrot roots enlarge, they may become exposed to light and develop an undesirable “greening.” Prior to this exposure, cultivation to throw the soil up against the carrot stem is necessary to maintain a high-quality crop.
Insect Control
No specific control measures are currently needed in Alaska.
Yields
A good commercial yield of carrots runs between 15 and 20 tons per acre; 2 to 2½ pounds per foot of row. Alaska yields can meet or exceed this under good management.
Harvesting and Storage
The harvested root should be handled carefully to prevent bruising and placed in cold storage immediately after harvesting. The ideal storage temperature is 32°F. Relative humidity should be maintained at 90 to 95 percent, but avoid condensation or water dripping from the ceiling. For the grower with small quantities of carrots or inadequate humidity control facilities, layering carrots in damp (not wet) sand will help carrots retain firmness and minimize shrinkage caused by fungal attack or evaporation.
Carrots may be washed at harvest time, but no water should be on the surface when the root goes into storage.
Marketing
The carrots that are offered to the consumer are attractive, clean, U.S. Grade A products, and all carrots within a package are uniform in diameter and color. The grower must be able to consistently produce high-quality carrots or he cannot hope to compete in this market.
Alaska grown carrots have an advantage over carrots that are shipped into the state because they generally have a higher sugar content when they reach the marketplace. The food storage product of carrots is mainly sucrose. This accounts for the pleasing taste of Alaska grown carrots.
Uniform, dependable service to the retailer is almost as important as the product itself. The retailer must have a dependable supply of carrots as required. Other options for a grower include farmers markets or roadside stands. Knowledge of local marketability is an important prerequisite before pursuing these options.
Meriam Karlsson, Professor of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension. Originally prepared by Alan C. Epps, Extension Horticulturist.
Reviewed October 2019