Short answer: sprinkle 15 to 25 g of carrot seed on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil. Press it in, mist, cover, and keep it dark for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 8 to 12 days.
What are carrot microgreens?
Carrot (Daucus carota) seedlings grow long seed leaves and then fine, feathery true leaves, like tiny carrot tops. The flavour is sweet and fresh. Sprouting.com gives carrot 8 to 12 days.1
How to grow carrot microgreens
- Day0
Sow
Spread the seed evenly over moist potting mix. Press it in and mist.
- Day0–4
Blackout
Cover and keep damp. Mist daily.
- Day4
Light
Uncover once most seeds are up. Give bright light.
- Day8–12
Harvest
Cut above the soil when the feathery leaves appear.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven sprouting | Seed dried out | Keep damp during blackout |
| Leggy, pale | Low light | Brighter light |
| Seed husks on leaves | Normal | Mist and brush off |
Tips for growing carrot microgreens
- Keep the seed damp. Carrot seed is slow to take up water, so mist it during blackout.
- Sow evenly, about 15 to 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray.
- Cover lightly. A thin layer of fine soil or a damp cover helps the seed stay moist.
- Give good light after uncovering so the feathery leaves stay green and upright.
- Harvest at 8 to 12 days, when the first feathery leaves appear.
Carrot microgreens vs carrot tops
Carrot microgreens are the very young seedlings, harvested in under two weeks. They're tender and mild, with a sweet carrot-parsley flavour. Mature carrot tops are tougher and stronger. If you like carrot tops in pesto or salsa verde, carrot microgreens are a softer, sweeter option.
How to eat carrot microgreens
- Roasted carrots: a matching garnish on honey-roasted carrots.
- Soups: on carrot-ginger or lentil soup.
- Salads: mixed with milder greens and citrus.
- Pesto: blended with parsley and pine nuts.
- Kids' plates: their mild flavour makes them an easy first green.
Grow with other carrot-family herbs
Carrot belongs to the same family as dill, fennel, parsley and caraway. They all grow fine, feathery leaves, though carrot is the fastest of the group.
Storing and eating
Use within 5 days. Carrot microgreens look lovely on roasted carrots, soups and salads, and kids enjoy their mild, sweet taste. See microgreens for kids.
Carrot FAQ
What do carrot microgreens taste like?
Sweet and fresh, with a carrot flavour and a hint of parsley.
How long do carrot microgreens take?
About 8 to 12 days, according to Sprouting.com.
Can you eat carrot microgreens?
Yes. Carrot greens are edible. Use them as a garnish or in salads, pesto and soups.
Do carrot microgreens grow carrots?
No. They're harvested as seedlings, long before any root forms. You eat the young leaves and stems.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
