RED CARROT – लाल गाजर (20 gm)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing red carrots from seed:

🥕 HOW TO GROW RED CARROT (DESI LAL GAJAR) FROM SEED

📅 Best Time to Plant

• Cool Season Crop
  • In India/Pakistan: September To October
  • In cooler regions: Early spring or late summer

📦 What You Need:

• Red carrot seeds (desi lal gajar)
• Loose, well-draining soil (sandy loam is ideal)
• Compost or aged manure
• Garden bed, grow bag, or deep pots (at least 10–12 inches deep)
• Watering can or hose

🌱 STEP-BY-STEP GROWING GUIDE

1. Prepare the Soil

• Red carrots need loose, deep soil for long, straight roots.
• Loosen soil to a depth of at least 12–15 inches (30–38 cm).
• Mix in plenty of compost but avoid fresh manure (can cause forking).
• Soil pH should be 6.0–7.0.

❌ Avoid rocky, heavy clay soil — it causes misshapen carrots.

2. Sow the Seeds

• Sow seeds directly in the soil (don’t transplant carrots).
• Make shallow rows 1 cm (½ inch) deep.
• Space seeds 2–3 cm apart in rows that are 20–30 cm apart.
• Cover lightly with soil and gently water.

3. Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination.
• Use a fine spray or watering can to avoid disturbing seeds.

4. Germination Time

• Red carrot seeds take 7–14 days to germinate.
• Be patient — they sprout slowly.

5. Thin the Seedlings

• Once seedlings are 5–7 cm tall, thin them to 5–8 cm apart.
• Don’t skip this — it helps roots grow big and straight.

6. Ongoing Care

7. When to Harvest

• Red carrots are ready in 80–100 days after sowing.
• Check when roots are about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) long.
• Gently pull a test carrot to check size.

8. Harvesting

• Water the bed slightly before harvesting for easier pulling.
• Twist and pull gently from the base of the stem.

📝 EXTRA TIPS:

• Carrot tops (greens) are edible — use them in chutneys or salads.
• Mulch the soil lightly to keep it cool and moist.
• For sweeter carrots, harvest after a cool spell (cold enhances flavor).