In recent years, as people's living standards have steadily improved, the area dedicated to spring carrot cultivation during off-season periods has been increasing. The following are the key techniques for growing spring sowing carrots.
I. Variety Selection and Sowing Rate
When choosing varieties for spring sowing, it is important to select those that are resistant to bolting, offer good quality, high yield, and have a medium-early maturity period. Examples include the new Kuroda 5-inch, Red Core 4, and Chunhong No. 1 varieties. For seeding, use approximately 0.75 kg per mu when drilling, and 1 to 1.5 kg per mu when broadcasting.
II. Cultivation Techniques
1. Determining the Right Sowing Date
Carrots sown in early spring are prone to bolting if sown too early, while sowing too late can lead to root deformation due to high temperatures above 25°C. The ideal temperature range for root development is 18 to 25°C. Based on experience, seeds can be sown when the average daily temperature reaches 10°C and the average nighttime temperature is around 7°C, provided the selected variety is resistant to bolting. In northern China, planting typically begins at the start of April; in southern China, it takes place in late March. In central and southern regions, planting can occur as early as mid-March. In colder areas like the north and northeast, sowing should be done from late April to mid-May.
2. Soil Preparation and Seed Soaking
Carrots are root vegetables, so they require deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam or loam soil. Before sowing, plow the land to a depth of at least 25 cm. Mix in 5,000 kg of farmyard manure per 667 m², along with 15 kg of nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Carrot seeds do not absorb water easily and germinate slowly in cold conditions. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in warm water (30–35°C) for 3–4 hours. After soaking, wrap them in a damp cloth or bag and keep them at 25–30°C for 4 days. Stir and rinse regularly until about 80–90% of the seeds sprout. Then mix them with wet sand before sowing, cover with a thin layer of soil, and use plastic film or straw to retain moisture.
3. Field Management After Sowing
After sowing, keep the soil consistently moist. Water immediately after covering the seeds to create favorable conditions for germination. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the cover in the morning when there is no wind. Thin the seedlings twice: the first time when there are 1–2 true leaves, removing weak or overcrowded plants; the second time when there are 3–4 true leaves, spacing them 9 cm apart and 15–18 cm between rows. Weeding is crucial for high yields, and herbicides such as 50% paraquat (450 kg per 75 kg of water) can be used effectively. Additionally, ensure the soil is loosened during cultivation to prevent green shoulders from forming on the roots. Apply fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. The first application occurs 5–7 days after germination, using 3 kg of ammonium sulfate and 3 kg of PK fertilizer per 667 m². The second application takes place when there are 8–9 true leaves, during the root expansion phase, combining 7.5 kg of ammonium sulfate and 3.5 kg of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer per 667 m² with irrigation.
4. Timely Harvesting
For carrots sown in late March, harvesting usually occurs between late June and early July. However, it is also possible to harvest based on market demand. When mature, the leaves stop growing, and the lower ones turn yellow. If stored in a cold room at 0–3°C, harvested carrots can be preserved and supplied throughout the summer.
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