Q.rainbow carrot seeds
I planted organic non-GMO rainbow carrot seeds this spring, and a few of them have seeded already. Will these seeds be good for saving? I planted about 2,000 rainbow carrot seeds in a planter box this past spring, with the plan to harvest half of the carrots and let the others go to seed for my own organic seed bank. From what I have read about saving carrot seeds, I have the understanding that it should take about two seasons to get seeds. So to my surprise, these carrots have healthy, happy flowering seedlings. Did something shock my carrots into seeding so early (it has not frosted where I live yet, it stays HOT in my climate during June, July, and August into Sept.)? Will these seeds be good specimens for the future or should I let them go through their cycle again?
Your seeds were likely Hybrids, so they may or may not produce seed that grows true to the parent seed.
Yes, you are correct the the carrots are biennial and the first year produce the roots and will send up the flower/seeds the second year.
Warm weather likely is the cause of the carrots bolting.
I have had carrot crops bolt and send up flowers many warm summers.
Carrot can cross pollinate with Queen Anne's Lace so keep that in mind if you happen to have that in or near your garden.
Saving seed is a great thing to do!
I have listed a few links for you that you may enjoy reading.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/organic-seed-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/carrot/saving-carrot-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/f1-hybrid-seeds.htm
