Carrot Scarlet Nantes (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is an heirloom variety known for its sweet, crisp, and nearly coreless texture. It produces 6–7 inch cylindrical, blunt-tipped roots with a bright orange color, making it ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and storage. This variety thrives in loose, well-drained soil and is a favorite among home gardeners and market growers alike.

How to Grow Carrot Scarlet Nantes

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last frost in early spring.
  • For a fall crop, sow seeds 8–10 weeks before the first expected frost.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.
  • Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall to allow for full root development.

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers loose, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
  • Avoid compacted or rocky soil, as it can cause misshapen carrots.
  • Enrich soil with compost before planting for better root development.

• Sunlight:

  • Requires full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Can tolerate partial shade but may grow more slowly.

Growing Carrot Scarlet Nantes

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist during germination—carrot seeds take 10–21 days to sprout.
• Provide 1 inch of water per week, increasing in dry conditions.
• Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to cracking or disease issues.

Mulching:

• Apply a light layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Mulching also prevents the shoulders of carrots from turning green due to sun exposure.

Fertilizing:

• Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) before planting.
• Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth over root development.
• Side-dress with compost or fertilizer mid-season if needed.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Carrot rust flies, aphids, and wireworms—use row covers or neem oil to control them.
• Diseases: Rotate crops yearly to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
• Avoid disturbing the soil around growing carrots to prevent forking or splitting.

Fast Facts

• Latin Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Days to Germination: 10–21 days
• Days to Maturity: 65–75 days
• Height: 12–18 inches (foliage)
• Spacing: 2–3 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Bright Orange
• Root Length: 6–7 inches, cylindrical with blunt tips

How and When to Harvest Carrot Scarlet Nantes

• Harvest when carrots reach full size (6–7 inches long) or when the shoulders are visible above the soil.
• Loosen soil around the carrot before gently pulling them up.
• For a sweeter flavor, leave carrots in the ground until after the first light frost.
• Store freshly harvested carrots in a cool, humid place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator, for several months.

Carrot Scarlet Nantes Seed Saving

• Carrots are biennial, producing seeds in their second year.
• Allow selected plants to flower and form seed heads.
• Once seed heads dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 3 years.

Carrot Scarlet Nantes is a sweet, crisp, and high-yielding variety perfect for fresh eating, cooking, and long-term storage. With proper care, you’ll enjoy delicious, straight, and uniform carrots all season long! 🥕🌱