(Daucas carota) A classic carrot. Unlike many of the modern hybrids which just come off as sweet, our open-pollinated scarlet nantes have plenty of the sweetness but also a rich real carrot flavor. Widely adapted, it is very versatile for everything from fresh baby carrots to fall storage and juicing. Highly selected strain originally came to us from the late John Navazio. A farm favorite of ours for years. (If you've ever wondered about the pronunciation of Nantes, it rhymes with 'want', the 's' is silent) 65 days. MO
Seeds can be sown early spring (April) and into late July. Direct seeding is strongly recommended.
Note: Carrots prefer cooler ambient temperatures, deep, well-drained, light, sandy, and loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic (6-7) pH, and an even watering schedule (do not let the soil dry out before emergence!). Seeds may be sown every 3 weeks through mid summer.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/4-1/2"
SPACING:
6-8 seeds per linear foot, thinning to 3/4-2" between plants in rows 16-24" apart.
EMERGENCE:
7-21 days @ soil temp 55-75F and even watering
LIGHT:
Full sun to part shade
FERTILITY:
Medium to high. While carrots do prefer well-prepared and fertile soil, avoid adding excess Nitrogen as it may lead to hairy and/or forked roots. Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Acidic soils (pH below 6.0) are a no no for carrots!
Lower Nitrogen, medium phosphorus and higher potassium grow the best roots!
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Remember that carrots prefer cooler temperatures, even water, and space. Keep em weeded!
If you find that your carrots are producing hairy forked roots, this means your soil is too heavy in Nitrogen.
Try to avoid growing carrots in a new, previously grassy area as wireworms will visit!
Use floating row cover to deter carrot rust flies and aim for a 3 year rotation to avoid blight.
