There Are Lots of Ways Carrots Can Go Wrong
Question: I had trouble getting my carrot seeds to sprout last year, and those that did sprout developed into weird, misshapen carrots. What do you suggest?
J.E., Anaheim
Answer: There are many reasons carrots can become “forked” or misshapen. The primary cause is root knot nematodes, which usually cause distinctive swellings (galls) the size of a pea on the roots of affected plants. Root knot nematodes were discussed in last week’s column.
Other reasons for misshapen or forked carrots include:
* Hard soil, rocks or other obstructions. Carrots naturally grow straight but are very sensitive and will make a sharp turn or “fork” if they encounter an obstruction. You can prevent this with proper soil preparation. This includes breaking up clods, removing debris and making sure the seedbed is not too firm overall.
If your soil is very heavy or stony, grow short-rooted varieties, which tend to be sweeter.
Some good choices for shallow beds or containers are: Nantes types, which tend to be blunt-ended; ‘Red Core Chantenay’ or Danvers, which grow 5 to 6 inches; and baby or gourmet carrots such as ‘Short ‘n’ Sweet,’ ‘Little Finger,’ ‘Amstel,’ ‘Kundulus,’ ‘Lady Finger’ and ‘Amsterdam,’ which grow 3 to 5 inches long.
If you grow carrots in containers, you will have complete control over the soil quality.
* Carrot roots coming into contact with fertilizer pellets or fresh manure. Don’t grow carrots where manure has been applied in the past year.
* Overcrowding. If planted too close together and allowed to grow, carrots tend to twist around one another. Sow seeds sparingly. When they come up, carefully thin them so they are 2 to 3 inches apart.
* Overwatering. Consistent watering is important throughout the growing season for good color and root formation. If your watering practices alternate between significant wet-dry cycles, the roots will tend to split. Excessive watering also favors disease.
Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or send e-mail to ucmastergardeners@yahoo.com. Calls and e-mail are picked up daily and are generally returned within two to three days.
