how carrots grow
Carrots grow best in climatic conditions of between 15 and 20 degrees C.
Prolonged hot weather can injure young plants, retarding growth and causing
undesirable strong flavour and coarseness in the roots. Cooler temperatures
make the roots longer, more slender, and paler in color.
Deep sandy loam soils which are easy to work are best, allowing the carrot
roots to develop and form well.
Planting
Carrots seeds are planted just under the surface in rows about 30-50cm apart.
Closer spacing makes harvesting difficult and prevents air movement through
the leaf canopy. Planting occurs during March to September for the spring
crop in Pukekohe. Planting for the main crop production on Ohakune and South
Island locations takes place from September to december.
Throughout the growing season, carrot rows are kept weed free and a disease
and pest monitoring control programme is maintained to ensure maximum quality
and growth.
Harvesting
Fresh-market carrot harvesting takes place during the months of October
to January in Pukekohe and late January to October in main crop locations.
In main crop locations carrots are left in the ground as the cool temperatures
halt deterioration.
Carrots are mechanically harvested by undercutting the roots and elevating
them out of the soil by grasping the leaves. The carrots are transferred
to storage containers for delivery to packhouse facilities where they are
cleaned, washed, graded and packed ready for immediate delivery to your
supermarket.
Carrots are handled as carefully as possible during the harvesting, washing
and packing process to avoid damaging the roots. Injuries reduce shelf life
and increase chances of decay. |
 |
| The carrot is a highly
refined version of the common weed, Queen Anne's lace which originated
in the Middle East. |
 |
| One medium fresh carrot
counts as one serving of your 5 A Day. |
|
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