Daucus carota 'Autumn King 2'

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  RHS Plants for Pollinators plants

  This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

  It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.

  • Garden Plants
  • Wildflowers
  • Plants of the World

Cultivation

Grow in an open, sunny position with deeply cultivated, well-drained soil; heavy clay or stony soils may cause carrots to fork so it is best to make sure you have removed as many stones as possible and for clay soils add plenty of organic matter, such as well rotted manure. To reduce chances of harvesting forked carrots in clay soil choose a short-rooted cultivar. Keep seeds well-watered until your seedlings have emerged. You can also sow seeds in containers, especially if you select a cultivar with a shorter root. Best harvested as a maincrop from August until December. For more advice, see carrots cultivation.

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• Patio and container plants
• Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Roots may be susceptible to carrot fly larvae, wireworm, slugs and rodents; foliage may be susceptible to aphids. A barrier of fine insect mesh at least 60cm high around the beds can help prevent carrot fly laying eggs.

Diseases

Generally disease-free although may be susceptible to carrot leaf blight in wet conditions during the growing season.