Carotte

Daucus carota

Plant Description

Scarlet Nantes is a classic heirloom carrot variety known for its sweet, crisp texture and smooth, cylindrical shape. These bright orange roots grow to about 6 inches long and are nearly coreless, making them tender and perfect for fresh eating or juicing. The variety matures early and performs well even in lighter soils.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Days to Sprout: 10–20 days
  • Days to Harvest: 65–75 days
  • Plant Spacing: 2–4 inches
  • Seeds per Hole: 2–3; thin to strongest seedling
  • Plant Type: Biennial (grown as Annual)
  • Planting Depth: ¼ inch

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds: Deep, loose soil free of rocks allows roots to develop straight and long.
  • Raised Beds: Ideal for controlling soil texture and temperature for even root formation.
  • Containers: Use deep containers (at least 12") with sandy, loose soil for best results.

Getting Started

  1. Direct Sow Only: Carrots do not transplant well. Sow seeds directly into prepared soil when the ground is workable.
  2. Soil Needs: Loose, well-drained sandy soil is best. Avoid compacted or heavy clay soils.
  3. Thinning: Thin early and carefully to avoid disturbing neighboring roots. Space 2–4 inches apart.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Onions, leeks, tomatoes, chives, lettuce, and radishes.

Avoid Planting Near: Dill and parsnips (attract similar pests), and heavy-feeding root crops like potatoes.

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: If left to flower (second year), carrot blooms attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Repels: Carrots can help repel onion flies and aphids when paired with leeks or onions.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Sow 2–4 weeks before last frost date. Carrots tolerate cool soil.
  • Fall: Sow 10–12 weeks before first frost. Fall carrots are often sweeter.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination and early root formation.
  • Fertilizing: Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. Use compost or balanced organic fertilizer pre-planting.
  • Weeding: Weed early and often. Carrots don’t compete well with weeds.

Harvest

  • Harvest when roots are about 6 inches long and shoulders begin to show above soil line.
  • Loosen soil gently with a fork if needed to pull without breakage.
  • Can be left in the ground slightly longer for larger roots—but don’t wait too long or they’ll get woody.

Uses

  • Fresh: Excellent raw in salads, slaws, or just for snacking.
  • Cooked: Roast, steam, sauté, or add to soups and stews.
  • Juicing: Naturally sweet flavor makes it a staple in juice blends.

How to Store

  • Short Term: Cut off tops and store roots in a bag in the refrigerator for 2–4 weeks.
  • Long Term: Store in moist sand in a root cellar or freeze after blanching.