Why did my carrots split in a way that looks like legs?

Question

This is the first year I've grown carrots. What gave them legs?

I have a theory that the seedlings merged together. I don't know if that is just silly or if carrots just naturally grow like this.

Answer 1

Carrots often develop forked roots when:

• the soil is stony

• manure is added to the plot shortly before sowing

• the bed is too firm

• the soil is very heavy and has not been dug sufficiently - carrots like light, well-drained fertile soil

If your soil is stony - and this is what usually causes the problem -, you should have better luck with a short-rooted variety such as Amsterdam.

Answer 2

Anything that impedes the downward growth of the root will do this: stony soil, heavy soil (carrots prefer lighter soils), even damage from pests.