What Carrots Grow Best In Florida – 4 Varieties To Know!

When you think of produce grown in Florida, your first thought is probably of endless citrus groves that smell like sunshine. Many different crops are just as popular in Florida, including carrots. Knowing how much care and work go into growing any vegetable crop, you may be asking yourself what carrots grow best in Florida?

Many different kinds of carrots can thrive in Florida, including two of the most popular varieties: Nante’s Half Long and Purple Haze. With the proper soil, nutrients, and regular watering, you could see your carrots start to germinate in just two weeks. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best carrots to grow in Florida and some tips to ensure your carrots will grow to their full potential. 

What Kind of Carrots Grow in Florida?

Many people don’t realize that there are over 40 varieties of carrots grown worldwide. We’re so used to seeing simple orange carrots in the grocery store, but carrots come in many different colors and sizes. 

Although the growing process of carrots is relatively straightforward, you have to keep a close eye on them when you plant them in a place like Florida. Not every kind of vegetable can grow in such a warm environment, but we’re here to tell you which ones do. 

Here’s a list of some of the best carrots to grow in your Florida garden:

• Nante’s Half Long
• Purple Haze
• Imperator 58
• Chatenay Royal

These are just a few of the best carrots to grow in Florida. We’re sure you’ll be able to find one that suits your upcoming vegetable garden! 

What’s the Difference Between these Carrot Varieties?

Now that we know the best varieties of carrots to grow in Florida let’s talk about what makes each one different. These carrots need full sun during the germination process and moist soil, along with an ambient temperature of 70 degrees. 

• Nante’s Half Long
  • When you picture the traditional orange carrot that Bugs Bunny would crunch on, you’re probably thinking of a Nante’s Half Long. This traditional orange root of this carrot is one of the most common varieties. Known for its softer, sweet flesh, it is one of the easiest varieties to grow in Florida. 
• Chatenay Royal
  • The Chatenay Royal is a much thicker carrot and comes in various colors, including orange, yellow, and purple. Due to its hearty size, you can find a use for Chatenay Royals in stews or roast beef alongside other root vegetables. 
• Imperator 58
  • The Imperator 58 variety is another orange classic known as an heirloom variety. These carrots will grow thinner and straighter than other carrots, and as long as you tend to them, they can grow up to 8 inches. 
• Purple Haze
  • Purple Haze carrots are, well, purple! The outside of the flesh is a deep purple color, while the inside is normally a bright orange. These carrots stand out among others for their color and because of their sweet flavor. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked, depending on what you’re looking for. 

When is the Best Time to Plant Carrots in Florida?

Florida is obviously a warmer climate, and it may be hard to decide when to plant your carrots. It is recommended to plant carrot seeds between September and March, depending on where you’re located in Florida.

Carrots thrive during the cooler months, no matter where you plant them. The soil will need an ambient temperature of 70 degrees in order to grow to its full maturity before harvest. It’s important to use soil-free of clay or small rocks, as this can impede a carrot’s ability to grow. 

As long as you’re past the blazing hot summer months, you should be able to get your carrots planted in your garden. If you see a rather hot day after you’ve planted your seeds, you can always make sure the soil remains moist throughout the day to reduce the risk of harming your carrots. 

Can you Grow Carrots in the Summer in Florida?

Carrots are considered to be a cool-season crop, although the cool season is much different in Florida compared to other parts of the country. Summer is just too hot to grow carrots in Florida successfully. 

You can always try your hand at an indoor garden if you want to grow carrots in the summer or get a head start on your outdoor garden. Patience must be practiced beyond the germination process and when it comes to waiting for the best time to plant your carrots. 

How Long Do Carrots Take to Grow?

When you go to plant your seeds, make sure they will be in a spot that gets full sun and is easy to keep moist. This will ensure the carrots will be able to germinate properly, which can take up to two weeks.

As long as you keep the soil moist and free of weeds, you can expect to harvest your carrots 70 to 80 days after planting. The tops of your carrots should be around 1 to 1 ½ inches thick, which is a good indicator that they’re ready for harvest. 

It’s essential to be patient while growing your carrots, as they take slightly more time to reach maturity than most vegetables. Some find success with staggering planting carrot seeds to ensure you have a constant supply of fresh carrots during the growing season. 

What is the Easiest Vegetable to Grow in Florida?

Now that we know so much about what carrots grow best in Florida let’s talk about the easiest vegetable to grow. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it’s important to include some “easy” veggies in your garden every season to give yourself a break. 

Leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach are among some of the easiest vegetables to grow in Florida. Many gardeners also find that tomatoes thrive in the warmer climate of the state. You could basically grow your very own salad!

Don’t be intimidated by the warmer temperatures in a place like Florida when planting your own garden. Just have patience and an understanding of what works best to be successful!

Final Thoughts

Overall, there’s a lot more you can grow in Florida than citrus. Whether you’re looking for a traditional orange carrot or a fancy purple kind, you’ll be able to grow some great-tasting carrots in Florida. This classic root veggie requires a lot of patience to grow successfully anywhere, especially in a warm state like Florida. 

We hope you found this information helpful in planning your vegetable garden. As long as you pick the right variety and ensure your soil is kept moist during the germination process, you should find success in growing your carrots in Florida.