Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Thumbelina Carrot in the Vegetable Garden

Direct-sow Thumbelina seeds 0.25 inch deep as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, since carrots do not transplant well and are best grown from seed sown right where they'll mature. Space seeds about 2 inches apart in rows 8 to 12 inches apart, and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which can take up to three weeks depending on soil temperature.

Because Thumbelina tolerates heavy, shallow, or stony soil far better than standard carrot varieties, it's an excellent choice for gardens without deep, loose beds or for container growing. Mulch around plants to retain moisture, and weed carefully by hand near seedlings since carrot tops are slow to establish early on.

Harvesting Thumbelina Carrot

Roots are ready to harvest once they reach about golf ball size, generally around 60 to 70 days after sowing, though it's worth starting to check as early as 45 to 50 days. Loosen the soil gently before pulling, since these small, round roots come up easily even in denser soil. Their thin skin means no peeling is needed, and flavor stays sweet well after harvest.

About Thumbelina Carrot Garden Seeds

Thumbelina is a European-style round carrot, similar to the classic Parisian Market carrot, and was honored as an All-America Selections winner in 1992.

Its compact, ball-shaped roots were selected specifically to perform well in low-income households, heavy soils, or shallow soils where standard long-rooted carrots often struggle.

That same compact size also makes it a favorite for container gardens, small raised beds, and any grower short on deep, loose soil.

Tips From Our Gardeners

Mix the tiny seeds with sand before sowing. It makes for much more even spacing along the row and cuts down on the thinning work later, since Thumbelina's roots need very little room to reach full size.

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Thumbelina Carrot Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g Packet - Approximately 2,690 Seeds
• 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 38,200 Seeds
• 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 152,800 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 611,200 Seeds
• 5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 3,056,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Thumbelina Carrot seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.