GROW GUIDE

Scarlet Nantes Carrot

Daucus carota

Plant Description

Scarlet Nantes Carrot

A crisp root vegetable known for its smooth, tapered shape and vibrant orange hue, often with delicate, feathery green tops.

This kitchen essential, cultivated for its versatility, is prized for its sweet, earthy flavor that adds freshness and depth to both raw and cooked dishes.

Gardening Level: medium

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    10-21 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    60-80 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    2-4"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    3

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Raised Beds

    Provide deep, loose soil that allows for root expansion and easy harvest.

  • Garden Rows

    Straight, well-drained rows encourage uniform growth, especially for long varieties.

  • Indoor Gardens

    Grow lights and suitable pots help extend the growing season, even indoors.

  • Containers

    Ideal for small spaces, allowing for easy soil control and mobility.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Carrots grow best in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, a south-facing window will provide the best light.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Carrots prefer loose, well-draining soil with good organic content. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil texture and nutrient levels. Use a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer to avoid excessive top growth and encourage strong root development.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 3 carrot seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Cover lightly with soil as they require light to germinate.

    Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, during germination.

    Place the seeds in a sunny spot with a soil temperature between 55° to 75°F. Thin seedlings about 2-4 inches apart.

Good Neighbors:

  • Beans:

    Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, benefitting carrots

  • Chives:

    Chives improve the growth and flavor of carrots and deter aphids, mites, and flies

  • Lettuce:

    Lettuce has shallow roots that don't compete with carrots

  • Radish:

    Help break up soil for carrot root development

  • Rosemary:

    Rosemary repels the carrot fly

Enemy Plants:

  • Parsnip & Beets:

    Compete for space and nutrients in the soil

  • Celery:

    Attracts carrot flies which harm carrot crops

Attractants:

  • Assassin Bug & Lacewing :

    Carrots are a food source for insects that these eat

  • Parasitic Wasps:

    Attracted to plants that provide nectar and pollen

Repellents:

  • Leek Moth

    Repelled by the scent of carrots

  • Onion Fly

    The scent of carrots is unpleasant or confusing to onion flies

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Water consistently to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Carrots prefer evenly moist soil, especially during germination and early growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

  • Thinning

    Thin seedlings when they reach a few inches tall to allow space for healthy root development. Space them 2-4 inches apart to ensure the roots grow properly without overcrowding.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Harvest carrots when their roots are fully developed, usually when their shoulders are 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter and 6-7 inches in length. Loosen the soil and gently pull out the carrots, being careful not to damage the roots.

  • Extra Tip

    For the best flavor, harvest carrots early in the morning when the soil is cool and moisture levels are high. This helps preserve their sweetness and crispness.

Favorite Uses

  • Snacking

  • Soup

  • Cake

  • Juices

  • Stew

How to Store

  • Room Temperature

    • Duration: Up to 1 week
    • Location: Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
    • Method: For short-term storage, keep unwashed carrots in a bowl or basket at room temperature. The carrots will stay fresh for a few days but should be used soon.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: 1-2 weeks
    • Location: Store in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator
    • Method: Remove any leafy tops to prevent moisture loss and place the carrots in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel. This helps retain moisture and keep the carrots crisp.

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Up to 6 months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Peel and cut the carrots into slices or cubes. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then quickly cool them in ice water. After draining, spread the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

  • Sand Storage

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Cool, dark and well-ventilated area
    • Method: Use clean, moist sand in a container or wooden box. Layer the carrots individually, completely covered in sand to prevent exposure to light and moisture loss. This method mimics natural root cellar conditions and keeps the carrots fresh for an extended period. Check occasionally to ensure the sand remains moist but not wet.

Fun Facts

  • Ancient Roots

    Carrots originated in Afghanistan and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated crops in history.

  • Carrot Glow

    Eating an excess of carrots can cause your skin to turn slightly yellowish—a harmless condition called carotenemia, caused by too much beta-carotene.

  • Hydration Power

    Carrots are made up of about 88% water, making them a refreshing and hydrating snack, perfect for staying cool during hot summer days.

  • Colorful Past

    Before the 17th century, carrots were purple, white, red, yellow, and even black. The familiar orange variety we know today was developed in the Netherlands as a tribute to the Dutch royal House of Orange.