Carrots grow well in loose loamy soil within a 6-7 pH range. The ideal temperature range for carrot cultivation is 15°C - 20°C.
A fine tilth is ensured in hilly regions along with formation of raised beds. Ploughing is required twice in plain regions. A spacing of 30 cm is maintained between ridges and furrows.
The ideal seed rate is around 4 kg per hectare. The row spacing is 25-30 cm. Before sowing, seeds and sand are mixed. Seeds are sown in straight lines. Desirable distance is ensured through thinning.
Carrot cultivation demands proper irrigation once in every 5 days. After irrigation, wet gunny bags can be used to cover beds in the evening to prevent excessive water loss.
Lupin, as a green manure, is applied 60 days before planting. Recommended dose: 30 tons/hectare FYM, 90:90:90 kg/hectare NPK (basal dose) and 45:45:45 kg/hectare NPK (after 45 days of sowing).
Spray Mancozeb at 2 grams per litre to prevent some diseases like leaf spots. For protection against root knot nematode, apply neem cake at the rate of 1 ton per hectare during sowing.
Carrots attain marketable stage when the diameter of the roots is 2-4 cm at the upper end. Ensure light irrigation before harvesting so that roots can be pulled out without damage.