How to Grow Nantes Carrot
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Nantes Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Nantes'
vegetableNantes is a classic French heirloom carrot variety known for its cylindrical, blunt-tipped roots and exceptional sweetness. The roots are typically 6-7 inches long with deep orange color and fine texture, making them ideal for fresh eating and cooking. This variety is beloved by gardeners for its reliable performance and tender, crisp flesh.
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Example Nantes Carrot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nantes Carrot
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 Nantes Carrot
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nantes Carrot dates for your own zip code.
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 cotyledons emerge 10-21 days after sowing; delicate thread-like seedlings appear
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart when they have 2-3 true leaves; use thinnings in salads. Avoid crusting soil surface.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksFeathery fern-like foliage develops above ground; orange root begins expanding underground
Maintain consistent moisture and weed regularly. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep soil loose for root expansion.
Root Development
3-4 weeksCylindrical orange root elongates and thickens; tops become bushier and taller (12-18 inches)
Continue consistent watering. Hill soil around roots if shoulders become exposed to sunlight (causes green discoloration). Side-dress with compost if needed.
Pre-Harvest Maturity
2-3 weeksRoots reach 6-7 inches long with 0.75-1 inch diameter; full deep orange color develops
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars. Check root size by gently brushing away soil. Taste test for sweetness if desired.
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing harvest windowRoots are crisp, sweet, and ready to pull; can remain in ground in cool season for storage
Harvest when desired size is reached. Leave in soil covered with mulch in cool climates for extended harvest. Remove excess soil gently before storage.
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers until plants are 6 inches tall; thin seedlings to proper spacing to reduce attraction; plant onions nearby; remove damaged roots immediately
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Practice crop rotation; remove plant debris; use row covers early season; expose overwintering sites by tilling in fall
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Spray with water jet; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; reflective mulch can deter
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Maintain consistent moisture (they prefer dry conditions); spray with water; use neem oil in severe cases
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Hand-pick; use beer traps; diatomaceous earth barriers; maintain proper spacing for air circulation
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryNantes carrots are prized for their exceptional sweetness, tender texture, and fine crumb when raw. They excel in salads, are perfect for snacking whole, and cook evenly in soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes. [source]
Juicing and purees
CulinaryThe high sugar content and fine texture make Nantes carrots excellent for fresh carrot juice with natural sweetness. They also puree smoothly for baby food and sauces. [source]
Beta-carotene and eye health
MedicinalCarrots are well-known sources of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting vision and immune function. Regular carrot consumption has been linked to better night vision and eye health. [source]
Food preservation
HouseholdNantes carrots store exceptionally well for months when kept cool and humid. They are ideal for home canning, pickling, and freezing for year-round use. [source]
Wildlife and livestock feed
WildlifeCarrot tops and roots are nutritious for rabbits, chickens, goats, and other livestock. The leafy tops are particularly good forage and can be composted or used as animal feed. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when roots reach 6-7 inches long, typically 65-80 days after sowing. Carrots can be harvested at any stage from 4 inches (baby carrots) to full maturity. Gently loosen soil with a fork before pulling to avoid breaking roots. In cool climates, leave roots in the ground covered with 4-6 inches of mulch or straw for fall/winter storage and extended harvest. Nantes carrots store well in a cool basement or cold storage at 32-40°F with high humidity for 3-4 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nantes carrots originated in France and are named after the city of Nantes; they became popular in North America in the mid-20th century and remain a home gardener favorite
- 🌱 Carrots were originally purple, not orange—the orange color was developed in the Netherlands in the 1600s and deliberately promoted to honor the Dutch Royal House of Orange
- 🌱 Carrots have a naturally sweet flavor that intensifies after a light frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars as a cold-weather survival mechanism
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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