How to Grow Carrot 'Nantes'
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Carrot 'Nantes'
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
vegetableNantes is a classic orange carrot variety known for its smooth, cylindrical roots and tender, sweet flesh. These medium-length carrots (6-7 inches) are ideal for fresh eating and have a refined, delicate flavor. They're a popular choice for home gardeners and professional growers alike.
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Example Carrot 'Nantes' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carrot 'Nantes'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Carrot 'Nantes'
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; can be grown year-round in mild climates
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny feathery foliage emerges; roots begin developing. Seedlings are delicate and slow-growing.
Keep soil consistently moist; thin to proper spacing (2 inches apart) when seedlings have 2-3 leaves. Thinning is critical—crowded seedlings produce forked or misshapen roots. Remove thinned greens carefully to avoid disturbing remaining plants.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksFeathery green foliage develops; root expands underground. Plant builds leaf mass and prepares for root swelling.
Maintain consistent moisture and steady nitrogen levels. Thin any remaining crowded seedlings. Keep soil loose and weed-free to prevent obstacles to root development. Mulch around plants to protect roots from light exposure (which causes green shoulders).
Root Bulking
3-4 weeksRoot significantly enlarges and develops the characteristic Nantes cylindrical shape. Foliage becomes fuller but growth slows as energy diverts to root storage.
Reduce nitrogen; maintain consistent watering to prevent splitting. Ensure soil stays loose and well-draining. Keep mulch in place to exclude light from developing roots. Begin monitoring root size by gently excavating soil around the shoulder.
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
2-3 weeksRoots reach 6-7 inches long and full diameter (0.75-1 inch). Color intensifies to bright orange. Roots are tender, sweet, and ready for harvest.
Maintain even moisture until harvest. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes forking. Harvest on schedule; leaving roots in ground too long can cause splitting and toughness. In cool climates, carrots can be left in ground and mulched heavily for storage.
Harvest
Ongoing through frostRoots are fully mature and at peak sweetness and tenderness.
Loosen soil around roots and pull gently. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Remove foliage (leaving 1-inch stems) and store in cool, humid conditions. Nantes carrots store well for 2-3 months at 32-40°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over seedlings; remove covers after flowering to allow pollination if nearby. Thin seedlings early and gently to minimize damage. Handpick affected plants. Use yellow sticky traps. Encourage parasitoid wasps.
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Improve soil drainage and aeration. Avoid fresh manure which attracts them. Trap crops: plant potatoes nearby as sacrificial crops. Handpick if visible. Encourage ground beetles and parasitoid wasps.
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Use row covers on young plants. Harvest promptly when mature to avoid extended infestation. Remove plant debris and weeds (preferred habitat). Rotate crops yearly to different locations.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Encourage ladybugs and parasitoid wasps. Plant dill or fennel nearby (though not as companion) to attract beneficial insects.
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Improve soil drainage and avoid waterlogging. Use nematode-resistant cover crops (marigold). Rotate with non-host crops. Solarize soil in hot climates. Amend with compost to boost beneficial microorganisms.
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryNantes carrots are renowned for their tender texture and sweet flavor, making them ideal for raw consumption in salads, slaws, and as snacks. Their smooth skin requires minimal peeling compared to other varieties. [source]
Steaming & Roasting
CulinaryThe tender, finely-textured flesh of Nantes carrots cooks quickly and evenly, making them excellent for steaming whole or roasting. Their natural sweetness intensifies with gentle cooking methods. [source]
Beta-Carotene & Vision Health
MedicinalCarrots are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body and supports eye health and immune function. Orange varieties like Nantes are particularly high in carotenoids. [source]
Root Cellar Storage
HouseholdNantes carrots store exceptionally well in cool, humid conditions for 2-3 months, making them ideal for long-term winter storage without canning or freezing. They maintain crispness and flavor when properly stored. [source]
Juicing
CulinaryFresh carrot juice made from Nantes carrots is naturally sweet and nutritious. The tender, clean roots produce excellent juice with minimal effort or equipment. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Nantes carrots are ready to harvest when roots reach 6-7 inches long and about 0.75 inches in diameter (65-80 days). Gently loosen soil with a fork before pulling to avoid breakage. Harvest in cool morning hours for best quality and storage. In regions with mild winters, leave carrots in ground and mulch heavily; they actually sweeten after a light frost. In colder areas, harvest before hard freeze and store at 32-40°F in humid conditions (like a root cellar or refrigerator). For tender baby carrots, harvest at 4-5 inches. Remove green tops (which draw moisture from roots) and store separately.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Nantes variety originated in France in the early 1800s and is named after the Loire Valley city of Nantes. It's also called 'Amsterdam' carrot in some regions due to its popularity in Dutch and Northern European markets.
- 🌱 Unlike the common belief that carrots are always orange, they were originally purple or white. Dutch growers bred orange varieties in the 1600s, reportedly to honor the Dutch royal family (House of Orange).
- 🌱 Carrot roots develop their sweetness through the accumulation of sugars as storage energy, and this sweetness actually increases after exposure to light frost—a reason cold-season gardeners often harvest later-season carrots for superior flavor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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