Biggest Producers
The largest producer of carrots in the world is, surprisingly, China, which produces a total of about 17 million tons of carrots and turnips a year. Uzbekistan and Russia produce about one and a half million tons, as well.
The United States produces about 1.3 million tons of carrots (and, again, turnips) for commercial use, mostly in the states of California, Texas, Washington, Michigan, Florida, Colorado and Wisconsin. California produces just over 60% of that total. Other countries that produce large amounts of carrots include:
- Ukraine
- Poland
- Germany
- France
- Turkey
- Japan
- Netherlands
- The United Kingdom
Home Gardeners
Those who keep gardens for personal use also grow a lot of carrots. In the U. S. or around the world, carrots are a popular plant and a useful, nutritious, versatile vegetable; they can be grown almost everywhere.
In the United States, there is virtually no place where carrots cannot be grown. Some areas may be hotter or colder than ideal and require some work for carrot farming to be successful, but the vast majority of the country is adequate for raising carrots.
Growing carrots requires at least a few months of temperatures warm enough to germinate seeds and grow carrot sprouts; 70°-75° F (21°-24° C) is ideal, but cooler or warmer temps can be acceptable. In cool places, a layer of mulch to hold warmth in the ground can help while extra water may be necessary in warmer climes.
There’s Always Indoors
Even if you live in a place that might be too cool or too warm to make growing carrots easy, you can still be successful. Simply grow your carrots indoors.
A person living in Arizona might not be able to keep their garden moist in 100° F (38° C) temperatures, but a big pot or two of carrot plants inside the house will thrive just fine.
If the warm weather of spring and summer only lasts a few weeks, bringing your carrots indoors will allow you to keep them warm enough to germinate and grow; add a sunny spot for them to get plenty of light, and they’ll thrive.
With sufficient information, a little effort, and enough attention, you can successfully grow carrots just about anywhere. From Alaska to Florida, from Poland to Ireland, and from your front yard to your front room, you can raise carrots for yourself and your family to enjoy.
