Should carrot seeds be soaked before planting?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Proper preparation of carrot seeds will increase germination rates without taking unnecessary steps. Soaking seeds is not necessary; however, it does provide slight benefits when executed properly. I've tried numerous soaking methods over ten seasons and found that post-planting moisture is more important than pre-soak. Use your efforts where they make the biggest difference.
Soaking Protocol
- Duration limit: Never exceed 2 hours soaking time
- Water temperature: Use 65-75°F (18-24°C) water
- Draining: Pat seeds dry before planting
Pelleted Advantages
- Size increase: Easier to handle and space accurately
- Coating: Contains nutrients for initial growth
- Success rate: Higher germination than raw seeds
Post-Planting Care
- Surface moisture: Mist twice daily until emergence
- Covering: Use burlap for humidity retention
- Temperature: Maintain 50-75°F (10-24°C) soil temp
Be sure to soak seeds properly if you are using this method. Soak Seeds in water at room temperature for no more than 120 minutes. Drain and lay out on paper towels to remove as much water as possible. Plant immediately after removing the water. I set my timers to prevent the seeds from soaking too long; otherwise, they will rot.
Pelleted seeds have a clear advantage over soaking. You obtain the conveniences of handling small seeds, along with the added nutrients of the clay coating, which improves germination rates by 20% compared to seeds soaked in water. I only use pelleted varieties, which saves time and labor.
Moisture control (post-planting) is the most important part. Cover seeded rows with burlap and secure edges with stones. Mist lightly (morning and evening). Once seedlings appear, remove the cover. This is a reliable way to germinate without issues related to watering saturation.
Modify practices according to the season. In spring: To promote fast seed emergence in cold soil: soak the seeds before planting. In summer: To minimize the risk of rot with pelleted seeds: do not soak them before planting. Change practices by season for optimal results as conditions change.
To troubleshoot poor germination, locate and measure the depth of soil moisture. Seeds need to remain consistently moist in the soil for germination to occur (1/4 inch deep). Dig to check soil moisture depth without disturbing seeds. Once moisture is located, it is best to address the issue immediately so the seeds can recover quickly and germinate.
Read the full article: When to Plant Carrots: Expert Growing Guide
