How do I know if it is a first year plant?

First year plants only produce a low rosette of fern like leaves. Second year plants will send up a tall, branching flower stalk.

Does wild carrot need fertilizer to bloom?

No, wild carrot is quite hardy and usually does not need extra fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can actually prevent flowering.

Why is my wild carrot not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Determine if the plant is in its first or second year.
Measure the amount of direct sun the plant receives.
Check for signs of stress like wilting or pests.

Likely causes

First Year Growth
Most likely
How to tell: The plant is small and has only a rosette of leaves close to the ground. There is no tall stalk forming.
What to do: Be patient and ensure the plant gets plenty of sun. It will bloom during its second year of growth.
Insufficient Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stretched or leggy and is not producing a flower stalk despite being in its second year. It is reaching toward the light source.
What to do: Move the plant or thin out surrounding vegetation to ensure it gets full, direct sun. Wild carrot needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light to bloom properly.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your wild carrot

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is in its second year and still not blooming, it may be lacking light or nutrients. It is perfectly normal for a first year plant to stay low to the ground.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a location that receives full sun and avoid over fertilizing, which can encourage leaves instead of flowers.

Wild Carrot: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wild carrot and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How do I know if it is a first year plant?: First year plants only produce a low rosette of fern like leaves. Second year plants will send up a tall, branching flower stalk.
Does wild carrot need fertilizer to bloom?: No, wild carrot is quite hardy and usually does not need extra fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can actually prevent flowering.

Why is my wild carrot not blooming?