Scarlet Nantes Carrots seeds
Scarlet Nantes Carrots seeds
The Scarlet Nantes carrot seed produces a variety of carrot known for its vibrant orange-red color and sweet flavor. These seeds typically yield cylindrical, medium-sized carrots that are smooth-skinned and have a crunchy texture. Scarlet Nantes carrots are popular among gardeners and farmers for their reliable growth, resistance to splitting, and suitability for both fresh consumption and cooking. When planting Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds, it's important to ensure well-drained soil and consistent watering for optimal development. With proper care, these seeds can produce an abundant harvest of delicious, nutritious carrots that are perfect for adding color and flavor to salads, soups, stews, and other dishes.
These carrots are highly sought after, and for good reason! Their exceptional taste, texture, and consistent size make them stand out. With cylindrical roots averaging about 18 centimeters in length, these carrots boast a vibrant red-orange hue and a fine-grained flesh that's nearly coreless, delivering a wonderfully sweet flavor. They mature early, making them perfect for harvesting as baby carrots.
While the exact origins of carrots are somewhat unclear, historical records from various civilizations mention this colorful root. Carrots have served medicinal purposes for millennia, addressing a wide range of ailments from indigestion to cancer. In the 19th century, French seed specialist Louis de Vilmorin introduced carrot varieties like Nantes and Chantenay, named after their places of origin. Following World War I, carrots surged in popularity in the United States, with commercial production mainly concentrated in Texas, Michigan, and California. Scarlet Nantes Carrots are renowned for their exceptional flavor and texture, lacking the woody core found in many other carrot varieties. They're perfect for baby carrots and store well over time.
Delightfully Sweet and Succulent - Scarlet Nantes carrots boast a richly sweet, deep orange flesh. They typically measure around 18 centimeters in length with tops reaching 25 to 30 centimeters. These carrots are coreless, making them ideal for harvesting as baby carrots.
Fast to Grow - Scarlet Nantes carrots are quick to mature and can be stored for extended periods, making them an excellent choice for immediate slicing or future use.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Prepare the soil three weeks before the last expected spring frost or when the soil temperature reaches approximately 7 degrees Celsius. These elongated, slender carrots thrive in deeply cultivated, loose soil to achieve their maximum length. Create a raised mound in the row, about 20 centimeters wide; sow the Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds onto it and cover them with approximately 0.6 centimeters of loose soil. Maintain soil moisture, ensuring the area above the seeds remains soft to facilitate germination. In cooler climates, sow additional seeds every 3-6 weeks for a continuous harvest. Warmer regions may limit planting to spring and fall crops as carrots are sensitive to excessive heat. For companion planting benefits, consider pairing Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds with aromatic herbs or onions to deter carrot flies and their larvae.
Growing: Once the seedlings reach a height of about 5 centimeters, carefully thin them to 5-10 centimeters apart, depending on the desired carrot size. Greater spacing results in larger carrots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist. As the carrot tops begin to emerge from the soil, apply mulch to maintain their tenderness. Keep weeds in check to prevent the young carrots from being hindered in their growth.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvesting: Start picking baby carrots as soon as they're large enough to enjoy, leaving the rest to continue growing to a bigger size. Scarlet Nantes stands out as an excellent choice for juicing. If the carrots prove hard to pull, ensure the soil is adequately moist. For winter storage, remove the tops by twisting them off, but refrain from washing the carrots. Layer them in damp sand or sawdust. In milder climates, you can leave the carrots in the garden over winter, covering them with a thick layer of mulch.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Seed Preservation: Due to the potential for cross-pollination between different carrot varieties and wild carrots, it's crucial to isolate the plants intended for seed production at least three kilometers away from other varieties or to provide protective enclosures. In regions where the ground freezes during winter, it's necessary to harvest the carrots before the first significant frost. Remove the tops by twisting them off and store the carrots at approximately 2 degrees Celsius in moist sand or sawdust over the winter, ensuring the roots do not touch. Replant them in the spring. To maintain genetic diversity, aim to harvest between 30 to 40 carrots for seed preservation. In warmer climates, it's possible to leave the carrots in the ground and cover them deeply with mulch over the winter. In the spring, allow the plants to flower; once the flowers turn brown and dry, trim them off and let them fully dry. Clean the seeds to remove excess debris and store them in a cool, dry place for up to three years. Carrots are biennials, flowering in their second year. Leave a few carrots in the ground over winter; in the spring, seed heads will form, and these should be left to dry on the plants. Separate the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for up to three years.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds
Planting Methods: Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds can be directly sown into prepared soil or started indoors in biodegradable pots for later transplanting.
Blooming Season: Carrots typically do not bloom in their first year. They will produce flowers in their second year if left in the ground over winter.
Planting Season: Plant Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds approximately three weeks before the last expected spring frost, or when soil temperatures reach around 7 degrees Celsius.
Latin Name: Daucus carota
USDA Zones: Zones 3-11
Sunlight Required: Full sun
Height: Mature plants typically reach a height of 15-30 centimeters.
Shelf Life After Test Date: Typically 1-3 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight.
Seed Type: Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds are open-pollinated, non-hybrid seeds.
Soil Type: Loam Soil, Clay Soil, or Sandy Soil are all suitable for growing Scarlet Nantes carrots. They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter.