Somatic embryos and/or somatic embryo-derived plantlets (SEPs) of carrot cultivar ‘Orlando Gold’ were subjected to various treatments during either suspension culture or a subsequent incubation period in fluid-drilling gel. Conversion of SEPs in the glasshouse into plants containing primary leaves was greatest when SEPs were incubated for 1–2 weeks in hydroxyethyl cellulose fluid-drilling gel (1.67%, w/v of N-gel™) hydrated with a solution containing Murashige and Skoog salts and vitamins and 2% (w/v) sucrose. Providing 3 days of chilling at 4°C then 3 days at 25°C all under light (60 μmol m −2 s −1) during suspension culture (at the globular to torpedo stage) led to the greatest SEP growth following fluid drilling. Inclusion of either 250 mg Truban R fungicide or 10 mg chitosan glutamate per litre of gel improved SEP conversion.