Atlas

Carrot

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Taproot

Sweetly perfumed and sun-warmed from the first harvest, Atlas delivers a rich, carrot-sweet flavor with a tender, crisp bite. Thi…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Apr 20th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue is most likely on carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus), and how can I treat it?

Watch for carrot rust fly, which leaves feeding trails and can cause roots to fork or become misshapen. Cover seedbeds and young plants with fine mesh immediately after sowing, and thin early so foliage stays dry and light can move through; remove and discard any severely damaged roots. If you see foliar fungal spots (often after humid weather), improve airflow between rows and water at the soil line, not over the tops.

How often should I water carrots during the main growing phase to avoid splitting or misshapen roots?

After germination, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist with light, frequent watering so the seeds don’t dry out and roots grow straight. Once roots are established (mid-season), water more deeply only when the top inch starts to dry—aim for steady moisture rather than letting the bed swing between dry and soggy. Inconsistent watering is a common cause of root cracking and “hairy” branching.

How do I tell when Atlas carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) are ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70 days from sowing by gently pulling one or two and looking for the root’s typical shoulder size above the soil line. Harvest when the roots are firm and have a clear orange color with minimal branching, before they become overly large and woody. If tops look healthy but roots are still small, wait a few more days and re-check—carrots left too long can get tough.

Sweetly perfumed and sun-warmed from the first harvest, Atlas delivers a rich, carrot-sweet flavor with a tender, crisp bite. This round carrot forms a smooth, well-rounded root with a fine-grained texture that stays satisfying—ideal for fresh pulls and for turning into vibrant, colorful dishes where its gentle sweetness shines. Grow Atlas for a tidy, uniform stand that makes every bed look as polished as a market display.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow thinly and keep the top inch consistently moist until germination so round carrots develop evenly without splitting.