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Carrot Microgreens

Daucus carota

Purple Kisses is very similar to Dara, with 3-5" lacy umbels atop strong, sturdy, upright stems. Flowers in shades of dark purple, pink, and approximately 15% white. Highly productive with 7-15 stems per plant. Long lasting in bouquets. Also known as Queen Anne's lace, ornamental carrot, and wild carrot.

Harvest

75-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Carrot Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Carrot Microgreens · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

SpacingDense seeding, no spacing needed

SoilFine, well-draining seed starting mix

pH6.0-6.8

WaterKeep consistently moist, mist gently 2 times daily

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorSweet carrot taste with earthy, slightly bitter herbal notes

ColorBright green feathery leaves with thin white stems

Size3-5"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Small, dry, and ribbed with bristly hairs. The compound umbel of fruits folds inward to form a roundish shape that can be blown by the wind and roll across the ground dropping seeds.

Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds are edible. The young fleshy roots can be cooked or eaten raw, the flower clusters can be french-fried to produce a carrot-flavored dish, the aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews, etc. The dried roasted roots are ground into a powder and are used for making coffee.

Storage & Preservation

Store freshly harvested carrot microgreens in the refrigerator between 35-40°F in a breathable container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Unlike hardy microgreens, these delicate greens maintain peak quality for only 3-5 days, so plan harvests accordingly.

For immediate use, rinse gently in cold water just before serving and pat dry with paper towels. Their feathery texture makes them fragile when wet.

Carrot microgreens don't freeze or dry well due to their delicate structure and high moisture content. Instead, preserve their essence by making compound butter – finely chop fresh microgreens and blend with softened butter, then freeze in portions. You can also infuse vinegar with the greens for 1-2 weeks to capture their unique flavor, though this won't preserve the visual appeal. For best results, focus on frequent small harvests rather than long-term preservation methods.

History & Origin

Origin: Europe, Eastern Asia and northern Africa

Advantages

+Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators
+Edible: Leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds are edible. The young fleshy roots can be cooked or eaten raw, the flower clusters can be french-fried to produce a carrot-flavored dish, the aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews, etc. The dried roasted roots are ground into a powder and are used for making coffee.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Leaves, Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis
-High maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels carrot fly and aphids with strong sulfur compounds

Rosemary

Deters carrot fly and other pests with aromatic oils

Sage

Repels carrot fly and cabbage moths while improving soil health

Leek

Masks carrot scent from pests and repels carrot fly

Onion

Strong scent confuses carrot fly and reduces pest damage

Marigold

Releases compounds that deter nematodes and aphids

Lettuce

Provides ground cover and doesn't compete for nutrients

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects and shares similar growing conditions

Keep Apart

Dill

Can stunt carrot growth and attract carrot fly when mature

Fennel

Inhibits growth through allelopathic compounds that suppress germination

Coriander

Competes for space and may inhibit carrot seed germination

Nutrition Facts

Calories

41kcal(2%)

Protein

0.93g(2%)

Fiber

2.8g(10%)

Carbs

9.58g(3%)

Fat

0.24g(0%)

Vitamin C

5.9mg(7%)

Vitamin A

835mcg(93%)

Vitamin K

13.2mcg(11%)

Iron

0.3mg(2%)

Calcium

33mg(3%)

Potassium

320mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170393)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance, longer growing cycle increases risk

Common Pests

Aphids, carrot rust fly larvae (rare indoors)

Diseases

Damping off, leaf blight in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do carrot microgreens take to grow?▼

Carrot microgreens take 14-21 days to reach harvest size, significantly longer than fast-growing varieties like radish (7-10 days). The extended timeline is due to carrot seeds' slower germination and the time needed for their characteristic feathery leaves to develop. Be patient – rushing the harvest results in bland, underdeveloped greens without the distinctive carrot flavor.

Are carrot microgreens good for beginners?▼

Carrot microgreens are considered moderate to challenging for beginners. They require precise moisture management, have lower germination rates than easier varieties, and take longer to grow, increasing disease risk. Start with radish, pea, or sunflower microgreens first to build skills, then try carrots once you've mastered basic techniques.

Can you grow carrot microgreens without soil?▼

While possible, carrot microgreens perform poorly on growing mats or hydroponic systems compared to soil. Their longer growing cycle and need for stable root anchorage make soil-based growing much more reliable. Use a fine, well-draining seed starting mix rather than attempting soilless methods for best germination and growth.

What do carrot microgreens taste like?▼

Carrot microgreens offer a concentrated sweet carrot flavor with earthy, slightly bitter herbal notes. They taste more intense than mature carrots but with added complexity from the young foliage. The flavor is distinctly recognizable as carrot but refined and sophisticated, making them excellent for garnishing both sweet and savory dishes.

Why are my carrot microgreens not germinating?▼

Poor carrot microgreen germination usually stems from inadequate pre-soaking (soak for exactly 24 hours), burying seeds too deeply (they need light), or inconsistent moisture. Old seeds also have lower germination rates. Ensure temperatures stay between 65-75°F and provide 14-16 hours of light daily. Even under perfect conditions, expect only 60-85% germination.

Can you regrow carrot microgreens after cutting?▼

No, carrot microgreens cannot regrow after harvesting. Unlike some herbs, cutting the stems above soil level kills the plant since you're harvesting the main growing point. Plan to resow new trays every 2-3 weeks if you want continuous harvests, staggering plantings to ensure steady supply.