Carrot Seed

Central Oregon has the most intense production of hybrid carrot seed in the world. Nearly all the seed used to plant fresh market carrots in the United States is grown in this area, with significant amounts of seed exported to Europe and Japan. Carrots are either grown from seed planted in August or from roots, called ‘stecklings’ planted in the spring, with harvest the following September.  Most of the carrot seed is “hybrid”, with male and female plants that cross pollinate to increase seed vigor. You may notice the male and female rows separated by blank rows. The males are knocked down prior to harvest of the females.

Current Projects:

Seedling Carrot Injury Following Spring Wheat Trial 2009-2010. Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Madras, Jefferson County, Oregon. Study Director: Richard Affeldt.

Plot Plan 

Enterprise Budget for Sprinkled Carrots

Enterprise Budget for Drip Irrigated Carrots

Extension Publications:

Nutrient Management Guide, Hybrid Seed Carrot (Central Oregon), EM 8879-E, November 2004

Management Guide for Drip Irrigation on Seed Carrots in Central Oregon, EM 8880-E, November 2004

 Carrot Seed Production Under Drip Irrigation, Central Oregon Region, EM 8849, January 2004

Research Reports:

Crop Management            

Weed Control

Disease Control  

Insect Control