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.

Budgets: 

• 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