Carrot Seeds, Scarlet Nantes

Scarlet Nantes Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a classic heirloom variety known for its bright, vibrant orange color, fine-grained texture, and sweet, crisp flavor. These cylindrical, coreless roots typically grow 6–7 inches long with blunt, rounded tips, making them ideal for fresh eating, juicing, cooking, and storage. Scarlet Nantes is highly adaptable and performs well in a variety of soils, producing uniform, smooth carrots that are tender and virtually stringless. This variety is favored for its excellent flavor and reliable yields, making it a staple in home gardens and market gardens alike.

Approximately 500 Seeds Per Pack
Type: Open-pollinated, Cool Season
USDA Zones: 3–9
Days to Germinate: 10–20 days
Days to Maturity: 65–75 days
Plant Height: 12–18 inches (foliage)
Root Length: 6–7 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Loose, Well-draining, Sandy or Loamy
Flavor: Sweet, crisp, mild
Use: Fresh eating, juicing, cooking, storage

Uses

Scarlet Nantes Carrots are versatile and flavorful:

• Fresh: Enjoy raw as a crunchy snack or in salads.
• Juicing: Naturally sweet, making it ideal for fresh vegetable juices.
• Cooking: Roasts and stews well, retaining its bright color and flavor.
• Storage: Keeps well when properly stored in a cool, dry place.

Growing Instructions

Direct-sow Scarlet Nantes Carrot seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart for optimal root development. Carrots prefer loose, sandy, well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and growth to prevent cracking. Harvest when roots are 6–7 inches long and bright orange, typically in 65–75 days. For storage, pull roots before the ground freezes and store in a cool, dark place.

🧺 Harvest & Use

• Pick when roots reach 6–7” for best flavor and shape
• Superb raw, shredded, sliced, or lightly cooked
• Stores well in cool, humid conditions
• Excellent choice for juicing or market bundles

Companion Plants

• Good with: Onions, lettuce, leeks, radish
• Avoid planting near: Parsnips or dill (cross-attract pests)

FAQs

Q: What’s the texture like compared to other carrots?
A: Scarlet Nantes carrots are crisp but not tough, with a fine-grained texture and no woody core.

Q: Is this a hybrid?
A: No—Scarlet Nantes is an open-pollinated heirloom.

Q: Will they grow in shallow soil?
A: They perform best in 8–10” deep soil. Shallower beds may produce stubby or forked roots.