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How to Grow Scarlet Nantes Carrot

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Scarlet Nantes Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

vegetable

Scarlet Nantes is a classic carrot variety known for its slender, cylindrical roots with blunt ends and deep orange-red color. This heirloom type is prized for its exceptional sweetness, tender texture, and fine flavor, making it ideal for fresh eating and cooking. The variety matures relatively early and stores well, with attractive foliage suitable for ornamental borders.

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Example Scarlet Nantes Carrot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Scarlet Nantes Carrot

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Scarlet Nantes Carrot

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Nantes Carrot dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (can tolerate partial shade in hot climates)
💧
Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Inconsistent watering causes splitting and forked roots.
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Spacing: 2 inches
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Days to maturity: 60-70 days
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Planting depth: 0.25 inches (seeds are very small; direct sow and keep soil moist for germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining, loose, deeply cultivated loamy or sandy soil
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure (avoid fresh manure) Sand or perlite for improved drainage Balanced organic fertilizer (lower nitrogen)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; can be grown as cool-season crop in zones 8-10

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling (0-2 weeks)

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with delicate cotyledons and fine foliage. Root development begins underground.

Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to 2 inches apart when 1-2 inches tall to reduce competition. Thin again to final spacing (2 inches) at 3-4 weeks.

2

Vegetative Growth (2-4 weeks)

2-3 weeks

Feathery green foliage expands; plants develop stronger root systems. Small carrot shoulders become visible just above soil surface.

Water consistently; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to prevent forking. Keep weeds controlled. Hill soil slightly over roots if they expose.

3

Root Development (4-7 weeks)

3-4 weeks

Roots rapidly thicken and lengthen, developing the characteristic cylindrical Nantes shape. Foliage becomes bushier; shoulders turn deep orange-red.

Maintain even moisture critical during this stage. Reduce nitrogen; avoid over-watering which causes cracking. Light mulching helps retain moisture and prevents greening of shoulders.

4

Maturation (7-9 weeks)

1-2 weeks onward

Roots reach full size (6-7 inches long, 0.75-1 inch diameter) with vibrant scarlet-orange color. Foliage may yellow slightly.

Carrots can remain in ground for extended harvest; they become sweeter after light frost. Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars.

5

Harvest (9+ weeks)

Ongoing through season

Roots are firm, fully colored, and at peak flavor. Ready for harvest when shoulders are 0.5+ inches in diameter.

Harvest as needed; carrots store well in refrigerator (3-4 weeks) or in cool storage (2-4 months). Can be left in ground in frost-tolerant zones until needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Peas Onions Garlic Tomatoes Radishes Chives Parsnips

Avoid planting near:

Dill Fennel Anise Brassicas (excessive root competition in small spaces)

Common Pests

  • Use floating row covers from planting until mid-season; plant onions and garlic nearby; incorporate diatomaceous earth; thin seedlings in early evening and water immediately to mask scent.

  • Rotate crops; solarize soil; plant resistant varieties; avoid poorly drained soil; use marigolds as companion plants.

  • Reduce soil moisture; use yellow traps; incorporate diatomaceous earth; rotate away from grass/legume cover crops.

  • Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract beneficial insects with flowers.

  • Remove debris and mulch; beer traps; hand-pick; copper barriers; encourage predatory beetles.

Uses

🍳

Fresh eating and gourmet cuisine

Culinary

Scarlet Nantes carrots are exceptionally sweet and tender with fine texture, making them ideal for raw snacking, salads, and gourmet preparations. Their balanced sweetness and lack of woodiness distinguish them from many modern varieties. [source]

🍳

Cooking and traditional recipes

Culinary

These carrots excel in soups, stews, roasted vegetable dishes, and classic French preparations such as Vichy carrots. Their tender flesh cooks evenly and maintains color without becoming mushy. [source]

💊

Beta-carotene and eye health

Medicinal

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Regular carrot consumption supports eye health and overall antioxidant intake. [source]

🏠

Storage and preservation

Household

Scarlet Nantes carrots store exceptionally well in cool conditions or refrigeration, making them suitable for preserving through canning, pickling, and fermentation for year-round use. [source]

🦋

Garden biodiversity

Wildlife

The attractive feathery foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects, while flowering carrot plants (left in ground) attract pollinators and parasitoid wasps that control garden pests. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when roots are 0.5+ inches in diameter at shoulder (typically 60-70 days from planting). For baby carrots, harvest at 45-50 days when 0.25-0.5 inches in diameter. Gently loosen soil and pull by greens. Mature carrots can be left in ground until first frost (or longer in cool climates) and harvested as needed—sweetness increases after light frost. Store in refrigerator in plastic bags (3-4 weeks) or in cool, humid storage (32-40°F) for 2-4 months. Remove greens before storing to extend shelf life.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Scarlet Nantes is a heirloom variety originating from the Loire Valley region of France, known for producing the finest carrots in Europe since the 18th century.
  • 🌱 Carrots are not naturally orange—wild varieties were purple, white, and yellow; the orange color was developed in the Netherlands in the 1600s as a patriotic tribute (orange is the Dutch national color).
  • 🌱 After a light frost, carrots convert stored starch to sugar as a natural antifreeze mechanism, making them noticeably sweeter—an effect called 'frosting' that has been valued for centuries.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Mulch Partial Shade
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