Seeds Saving from Carrots

[Wrecks]

I read that carrots are biennial, they must grow for two year to bear seeds. I have had carrots in the ground for about six months and they flowered. Do those flowers bear fertile seeds?

[Jason Akers]

Hi Wrecks-welcome to the forum.

Carrots being biennial is a bit of a misnomer.  They aren't really but its just the best term for what happens.  Basically they don't need two years, just to overwinter.  So its possible that if you planted them in the fall say in Early November and that month had decent weather and they got some growth then in May they could be flowering.  So I'm curious as to when you planted them.

If they did flower after only 6 months and didn't overwinter I suppose you could save seeds that would be fertile but just know that the offspring would likely do the same and after they flower the root is usually less than tasty. 

Finally, its very difficult to save carrot seeds that aren't hybridized by Queen Anne's Lace which grows virtually everywhere.  If you are sure there is none around then its possible that the seeds are viable carrot seeds.

Carrots are one of the few crops that I just have had no luck saving seeds.  That's not to say you won't but as you can see there are a few more obstacles than say saving from a tomato.  But it costs you virtually nothing but time so I say go for it.  Just be prepared for what might happen.

Jason

[Wrecks]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to try and save the seeds. I let you know how it comes out. This is my first year gardening and seed saving. I have a lot to learn. Thanks for your website, it was just what I was looking for.
Wrecks

[Jason Akers]

Not a problem.  I'd definitely be interested in seeing how those seeds work out.  If you are just starting out and already saving seed you are well ahead of the curve my friend. 

Jason

[CopperKnight]

I had one carrot this summer that had to be an anomalie.  I planted a bunch of seeds from the same packet and one carrot pretty much went straight to seed.  The carrot itself got to be a good size, but I left it in the ground to see what would happen.  Maybe I'll have a handful of volunteers in the spring. 

[Brian Ring]

Jason - the Queen Anne's Lace is only a problem if you let it flower, right?  How seperated do carrots have to be from it to not cross polinate?  I know I don't let any of it flower in my yard, but what if my neighbors do?

[Jason Akers]

Yeah that is true but the way I understand it, hoverflies and bees move the pollen pretty well.  I've heard you almost have to put a cage over the carrots when they flower and do it by hand.  Still, its worth a try especially if you are able to keep the QAL down.

Jason