Carrot 'Amiva'

Organic 'Amiva' Carrot Seed

Growing schedule: Sow indoors from February or outdoors from April to July. Try sowing under cover from September to November for an earlier crop the following year - though this comes with a risk of bolting. Always direct sow carrots to avoid root disturbance.

Sowing depth: 1cm

Planting distance: Sow direct in drills and thin to 5cm between plants with 25cm between rows.

Growing conditions: Carrots will grow well in an open, sunny site with light, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Soil should be deep, loose and free of stones. Freshly manured plots are not appropriate for carrots due to the high nitrogen content which can cause forking of the root and excessive leaf growth at the expense of the root. Well-rotted compost or all-purpose balanced fertilisers such as Topmix Complete Organic Plant Food 4-3-7 or Biodigester Organic Plant Food 4-3-7 are a better option for carrots.

Ongoing care: One of the biggest threats to a carrot crop is the larvae of the carrot fly. Carrot flies are drawn to the smell of carrots which is strongest when the leaves are disturbed. Avoid damaging the leaves when weeding or thinning, cover with Bionet or spray with Biovit garlic concentrate to keep the carrot fly at bay.

Harvest: 'Amiva' carrots should be ready to harvest after 12-16 weeks. Lift before winter.

Number of seeds: Each packet contains 3g of organic seed.