What it is
Carrot (Daucus carota sativus) is in the Apiaceae (Carrot) family. Loose deep soil is the whole secret. Rocky or compacted ground gives you forked, stubby roots.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it even — never let it crust, and give it loose, deep, stone-free soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 2–3 in apart. Expect roughly 60–80. Cool-season.
How it's used
Carrot is used: raw, roasted, juiced, stored.
🔎 How to identify it
- Ferny lacy foliage
- Smells distinctly of carrot when crushed
- Tap root swells underground
Edibility
PartsRoot; tops edible
UsesRaw, roasted, juiced, stored
CautionWild carrot lookalikes can be deadly — only eat roots you planted.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.