Carrot Seeds,
Oxheart

Oxheart carrots are typically planted in early spring or late summer. The best time to sow seeds is as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, or at least 13 weeks before the first fall frost for a fall crop, since the roots need the full 90 days and bulk up more slowly as autumn days shorten. They can withstand some frost, making them a good choice for extended growing seasons​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow Oxheart carrot seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution. Once the seedlings are established, thin them to 2-3 inches apart to allow enough room for their broad roots to develop. The seeds should be kept consistently moist until they germinate, which takes about 12-18 days.

Maintain regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. These carrots are generally easy to grow and are quite tolerant of different soil types, especially heavier soils where other carrots may struggle.

Since Oxheart carrots are biennials, they produce seeds in their second year. To save seeds, allow a few plants to overwinter in the ground, and they will flower and set seeds the following spring. Once the seeds have dried on the plant, harvest and store them in a cool, dry place for future plantings.