Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds

Sowing: Prepare the soil 3 weeks before the last expected spring frost or when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees F. These long, slender carrots appreciate deeply worked, loose soil in order to reach their full length. Build up a raised mound in the row, about 8″ wide; sow the Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds on it, and cover them with 1/4″ very loose soil. Keep the soil moist, but do not allow the the area above the seeds to become hard – this may prevent the seeds from germinating. In cooler climates, sow more seeds every 3-6 weeks for a continuous crop. Warmer climates may be restricted to spring and fall crops, since carrots cannot tolerate an excess of heat. For companion planting benefits, plant the Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds for sale with aromatic herbs or onions; this will repel the carrot fly and its maggots.

Growing: When the seedlings reach 2″ high, gently thin them to 2-4″ apart, depending on desired carrot size. The farther apart they are, the bigger they will grow. Do not allow the soil to dry out. When the tops of the carrots begin to emerge from the soil, cover them with mulch to keep them tender. Keep weeds under control to prevent the young carrots from being stunted.

Harvesting: Begin gathering baby carrots when grow big enough to eat, to allow the remaining carrots to reach a larger size. Scarlet Nantes is one of the best carrots for juicing. If the carrots become difficult to pull, make sure the ground is moist. To store carrots for the winter, twist off the tops but do not wash them. Layer them in damp sand or sawdust. In warmer climates, leave the carrots in the garden over winter topped with a thick layer of mulch.