Vegetation period of carrot

The vegetation period of carrot is calculated by the number of calendar days from the moment of full seedling emergence, rather than from the sowing date. The duration of this stage depends directly on environmental conditions, including temperature regime and soil moisture, as well as potential stress factors that slow down plant growth after emergence.

Carrot varieties are classified into early-maturing (up to 100 days), mid-season (105–120 days), and late-maturing (125–140 days or more). The choice of maturity group determines the purpose of the produce: early varieties are intended for summer consumption, while late-maturing ones are for winter storage, as they have sufficient time to accumulate the necessary nutrients.

Failure to adhere to the vegetation period regulations leads to a deterioration in crop quality. Early harvesting of immature root crops reduces their taste properties and storage life, while excessive delay in harvest dates causes cracking, secondary root growth, and increased susceptibility to diseases during the autumn temperature drop.