Carrots are a root crop, which makes them hardy and able to survive even light frosts. Because of this, some carrot varieties will even grow into the fall and early winter, so you can keep your carrot farm business going throughout most of the year. What’s more, carrots are some of the most popular vegetables consumed around the world.

If becoming a carrots grower is not part of your business plan, you can still add this nutritious crop to your food business. There are a variety of carrots growers, including those that grow organic carrots, that will distribute wholesale carrots in all corners of the country. Before you enter the carrot business, ask yourself the following:

1. Do you want to purchase carrot seeds in order to grow carrots on your own?

2. Would you prefer to buy carrots from carrot distributors?

3. Do you want to focus on carrot companies that offer organic produce?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Grow your own carrots

Unlike its more temperamental produce cousins, carrots are quite easy to grow and can handle cooler climates, provided the plant has balanced, quality soil. When purchasing seeds, choose ones that will grow best in your soil and climate conditions, just as you would any other plant.

I recommend: Territorial Seed Company has several carrot varieties from which to choose, including Purple Haze, Rainbow and Thumbelina carrots. Organica Seeds supplies organic, untreated vegetable seeds, including a few varieties of carrot seeds.

Choose from carrot producers across the country

Fresh, quality carrots can be had even without growing your own. Research the many carrot companies out there, and choose ones that seem to focus on the type of carrots you or your customers want most.

I recommend: Bolthouse Farms is one of the carrot growers located in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley. The company is one of the world’s largest suppliers of fresh-cut carrots. Grimmway Farms is another leading carrot grower in California. The company offers carrots for retail, food service, industrial and international markets.

Find organic carrot growers

Take freshness and quality one step further by exploring organic carrots. Just like most produce today, the cost of organic carrots has gone down as more and more customers are eating up the stuff.

I recommend: Kern Ridge has a selection of organic carrots that include various sizes of fresh pack organic carrots and cut and peeled organic carrots. Cal-Organic Farms offers organic baby peeled carrots, bunch carrots, juice carrots and more, in addition to other organic produce.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There is plenty of info on carrots online to help you learn how to grow carrots. Also ask your local nursery or local farmer for helpful tips.