How long until carrots are ready to harvest?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The timing you'll want to grow carrots depends on what variety you're growing. Early varieties, like Paris Market (50 days until mature), will need a shorter period than heirlooms, like Scarlet Nantes (75 days until ripe). I once yanked a 'mature' carrot after 40 days of growth to discover a bland, toothpick-thin root with no sweetness whatsoever.
Variety Selection
- Baby carrots: 30-40 days (e.g., Little Finger)
- Main crop: 60-80 days (e.g., Danvers 126)
- Storage types: 90+ days (e.g., Bolero)
Environmental Impact
- Soil below 50°F slows germination
- Consistent moisture prevents woody texture
- Loose soil allows faster root expansion
Assess readiness by brushing soil from the shoulder tops. Mature carrots show brilliant color and ¾ or 1-inch diameter. Gently twist one, if it resists, wait five days. My garden journal indicated that July 10th was the peak for harvesting carrots in zone 5b after the carrots are sweetened by the light frost.
To store unwashed carrots, use perforated bags and maintain 32-40°F. I reuse grocery store berry containers for airflow. For your winter stocks, consider layering the roots in bins filled with sand. For example, my carrots from the 2023 harvest remained stable until March by keeping 90% humidity using damp burlap covers.
Read the full article: How to Grow Carrots: Complete Guide for Beginners
