Scarlet Nantes Carrots

Grow the beloved Scarlet Nantes Carrots, a French heirloom variety renowned for its exceptional sweet flavor and crisp, tender texture. These cylindrical 6-7 inch carrots feature brilliant orange color, nearly coreless interiors, and blunt tips that make them easy to grow in various soil types. Perfect for gardeners seeking the ultimate fresh-eating carrot with superior flavor that surpasses any supermarket variety.

Growing Information

Days to maturity: 65-75 days from direct seeding
Planting: Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost through mid-summer; plant seeds 1/4 inch deep
Spacing: Thin to 2-3 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours daily)
Plant type: Root vegetable with feathery foliage 10-12 inches tall
Zones: 3-10 (cool-season crop)

Harvest & Use

Harvest when carrots reach 1-1.5 inches in diameter, typically 65-75 days after sowing. The cylindrical roots have exceptionally sweet, crisp flesh with almost no core, making them perfect for fresh eating. Ideal for raw snacking, juicing, salads, and any recipe where carrot flavor shines. The tender texture makes them excellent for quick-cooking methods like steaming or stir-frying. Kids love the sweet flavor and easy-to-eat size. Carrots sweeten after light frost. Store unwashed carrots in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

Care Tips

Scarlet Nantes carrots adapt well to various soil types, including heavier soils where longer varieties struggle. Work soil deeply and remove rocks that can cause forking. Keep soil consistently moist during germination (10-21 days). Thin seedlings when 2 inches tall to prevent crowding. Mulch to conserve moisture and keep soil cool. Plant with onions, leeks, peas, or radishes for excellent companion planting. Avoid planting near dill or parsnips. The shorter length makes these carrots more forgiving of less-than-perfect soil conditions.

Why Choose Scarlet Nantes Carrots

This French heirloom offers unmatched sweet flavor and tender, crisp texture that makes it the gold standard for fresh-eating carrots. The nearly coreless interior means more edible carrot and less waste. The cylindrical shape with blunt tip grows well in various soil conditions, making it more reliable than fussy long varieties. As an open-pollinated variety, you can save seeds and maintain this flavorful favorite year after year. Whether you're growing for children who love sweet carrots, juicing enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to experience what a truly fresh carrot tastes like, Scarlet Nantes delivers exceptional quality that justifies its enduring popularity since the 1850s.