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Nantes-type root vegetable
Apiaceae
Organic carrot seeds
Organic 'Yaya' carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Product code : BIOVO-0020
Organic 'Yaya' carrot, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, produces smooth, cylindrical orange Nantes-type roots. Its crisp, very sweet flesh is delicious raw, roasted, or cooked in soup. Direct-sow in deep, loose, stone-free soil and maintain surface moisture through emergence. Thin to approximately 5 cm between plants to encourage regular roots. Baby carrots may be harvested around 50 days, while full size generally requires 55 to 62 days depending on conditions. Check shoulder diameter before harvesting. Roots commonly reach 16 to 19 cm at maturity and suit vegetable plots, raised beds, and deep containers. Successive sowings can provide several manageable harvests through the season.
- Quantity
- Approximately 250 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Biennial grown as an annual
Discover the plant
Common name'Yaya' carrot, 'Yaya' Nantes carrot
FamilyApiaceae
GenusDaucus
Speciescarota subsp. sativus
CultivarYaya
TypeNantes-type root vegetable
Botanical nameDaucus carota subsp. sativus
Organic 'Yaya' carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is an early Nantes type producing smooth, cylindrical orange roots with blunt tips. Its crisp, very sweet flesh suits snacks, salads, soup, and roasted dishes. Full-size roots generally reach 16 to 19 cm, while an earlier harvest provides small, tender carrots. Upright foliage keeps rows visible and makes shallow weeding easier. Successive sowings can spread fresh harvests through the season, making this variety a practical choice for family gardens, raised beds, and deep containers. Its reliable shape also simplifies washing, peeling, slicing, and even cooking.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, choosing deep, loose, moist, stone-free ground. Place seed approximately 6 mm deep, then keep the surface moist until emergence. Once seedlings establish, thin to 5 cm between plants and leave approximately 30 cm between rows. Full sun supports even growth, although light partial shade is tolerated. Use well-matured compost and avoid fresh manure, which may cause forked roots. Cut surplus seedlings with scissors when pulling could disturb neighbouring taproots, and weed shallowly to protect developing carrots. Mark each row with its sowing date to make successive harvests easier to plan.
Maintain even moisture without saturating the soil because alternating drought and excess water may cause splitting or fibrous texture. Baby roots may be harvested around 50 days; allow approximately 55 to 62 days for full size, depending on conditions. Check shoulder diameter and the tenderness of one test root before lifting the row. Loosen soil before pulling foliage to reduce breakage. Trim tops promptly, cool the roots, and refrigerate them clean and dry. Use cracked or lightly damaged carrots first and discard any root showing mould, softness, or decay. Wash thoroughly before serving.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 6 mm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Sow 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, thin to 5 cm (2 in), and space rows 30 cm (12 in) apart
Germination temperature
10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C
Germination time
Approximately 10 to 20 days depending on soil temperature and moisture
Sowing period
Spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season
Propagation
Direct sowing only for regular root production
Growing method
How to grow a carrot: 'Yaya' carrot. Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked. Cover exposed shoulders lightly with soil rather than cultivating deeply beside them. 'Yaya' develops the expected harvest form: rosette of upright foliage above a smooth cylindrical orange blunt-tipped root. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Mark the row clearly because carrot seedlings can be mistaken for weeds. Choose a position for 'Yaya' with full sun to partial shade without sacrificing airflow or watering access. Prepare a fine, deep, stone-free seedbed and use only mature compost, never fresh manure. This carrot has a habit described as rosette of finely divided leaves above a cylindrical root; use this to guide positioning or selective thinning without forcing a cramped plant. Water the full root depth as the surface begins drying, avoiding cycles of drought and saturation. Space the crop sow 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, thin to 5 cm (2 in), and space rows 30 cm (12 in) apart to preserve access for watering, inspection, and harvest. Make a second small sowing only while enough suitable season remains for useful root growth. Check root shoulders before lifting the row, and loosen the soil beside mature roots rather than pulling against resistance. Begin sampling the row when shoulders reach the diameter you want. Loosen the soil beside each developing root before lifting, trim tops promptly, cool roots in shade, and record which sowing date produced the best shape and tenderness.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Keep the surface evenly moist while 'Yaya' carrot germinates, because the shallow seed and young taproot cannot recover well from crusting. Before 'Yaya' carrot emerges, use a gentle flow; as roots lengthen, water more deeply and let excess leave the bed. For 'Yaya' carrot, moisten the full depth of the developing root instead of repeatedly wetting only the surface. Mulch 'Yaya' carrot lightly only after establishment, limiting abrupt wet-dry cycles that can cause cracking or uneven texture. A 'Yaya' carrot container must drain freely and needs daily checks in warm wind while the edible root enlarges.
Soil type
Prepare loose, fine soil at least 10 inches deep and free of stones. A cylindrical Nantes-type Yaya root tolerates some heavier soil better than long cylindrical carrots but may still fork in clods or compacted areas. Incorporate only mature compost and avoid fresh manure. Soil should retain steady moisture while draining excess water promptly. In heavy ground, use a raised bed. A pH near 6.0 to 7.0 generally suits carrots, and soil testing should guide amendments.
Fertilization
For 'Yaya', fresh manure can distort root shape and encourage hairs. Let a soil test guide any corrective amendment. Excess nitrogen pushes 'Yaya' carrot toward tops instead of roots. Apply liquid feed only after moistening the soil. this rosette of finely divided root crop forming rosette of upright foliage needs loose soil more than repeated feeding. Review growth stage before scheduling the next feeding. For 'Yaya', its tops should stay healthy without becoming rank. Base extra feeding on tested need, not a calendar. For 'Yaya' carrot, keep fertilizer outside the developing root's immediate path.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil without saturation
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Yaya' carrot. Use 'Yaya' carrot’s stated sowing window as a frost-relative cue, not a universal date: spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season. Sow approximately 6 mm deep. Expect germination in 10 to 20 days at 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C; keep the medium evenly moist but aerated throughout that interval. Direct-sow into deep, loose, stone-free soil; transplanting or hard clods can distort the rosette of upright foliage above a smooth cylindrical orange blunt-tipped root. Mark the row, water delicately before emergence, and remove competing weeds while they are still small enough to pull without disturbance. Thin seedlings early to the stated spacing by cutting extras rather than tugging against neighbouring roots, and keep the shoulders lightly covered. Maintain even moisture without saturation; long dry spells followed by heavy watering can produce cracking, coarse texture, or irregular growth. 'Yaya' carrot container guidance: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Set the pot where runoff can escape and light is adequate. Carrot rust fly and exposed green shoulders deserve regular checks as the crop develops. Treat the supplied harvest guidance—harvest baby roots around 50 days or full-size roots after approximately 55 to 62 days; check shoulder diameter and tenderness—as a starting point, then lift one sample to assess diameter, colour, and tenderness before clearing the row. For succession, make smaller sowings while enough cool-season time remains before local heat or hard freezing. At harvest, loosen the surrounding soil, trim foliage as appropriate, cool the crop promptly, and discard roots showing rot or serious damage.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep
Growing 'Yaya' carrot in containers. For 'Yaya', choose a container matching this guide: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Add a fine mulch only after establishment and keep crowns or shoulders uncovered as appropriate. Good access around 'Yaya' makes inspection and harvest easier, given its habit: rosette of finely divided leaves above a cylindrical root. Place the pot in sun or bright partial shade where heavy rain cannot leave it standing in water. Lay out the root crop at sow 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, thin to 5 cm (2 in), and space rows 30 cm (12 in) apart, then keep paths open instead of filling gaps with another mature crop. Leave headspace for watering while preserving uninterrupted depth for the rosette of upright foliage above a smooth cylindrical orange blunt-tipped root. Give the row full sun to partial shade, and keep water from collecting around the crown or container base. Avoid repeated nitrogen feeding and never place concentrated fertilizer against young roots. Watch for developing roots and confirm maturity from colour, firmness, or size as appropriate. For this carrot, keep foliage open to light, remove weeds shallowly, and cover exposed root shoulders with a little clean mix when needed. Sample one root first, loosen the surrounding mix, and lift the remainder without scraping neighbouring roots. Sample the root crop before lifting the whole container. Loosen mix beside the developing roots, harvest without twisting neighbouring roots, trim tops promptly, and refrigerate sound roots separately from foliage.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Foliage approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in), depending on growing conditions
Width / spread
Approximately 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Foliage color
Medium green
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Rosette of finely divided leaves above a cylindrical root
Bloom period
Carrot is biennial and normally flowers in its second year. For a crop intended for the kitchen, harvest roots before flower stalks rise to preserve their texture and sweetness. If several roots are deliberately retained to observe the umbels, select only healthy specimens and protect them through winter according to your climate. When growth resumes, maintain regular moisture without saturating the soil. Small flowers may receive bees and hoverflies. Avoid treatments while insects are actively visiting the umbels, and keep flowering plants separate from the area reserved for roots intended for harvest.
Fruiting
After flowering and pollination, carrot umbels may form seed during the second year. This stage is not desired when the root is the main harvest because a plant that bolts loses culinary quality. To observe maturation, retain only several healthy plants and allow umbels to brown in an airy location. Seed collected at home may produce different plants because of cross-pollination and cultivar characteristics. To obtain the expected qualities of 'Yaya' again, use identified seed from a reliable source.
Days to maturity
Approximately 56 days
Harvest
Harvest baby roots around 50 days or full-size roots after approximately 55 to 62 days; check shoulder diameter and tenderness
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
No specific companion plant is confirmed for 'Yaya'. Organize the garden around actual light, water, and spacing needs instead. Prevent neighbouring crops from shading the row or competing with young carrots for moisture. Good air circulation, shallow weeding, and rotation of Apiaceae crops contribute more directly to balanced growth. Flowers or herbs may be added nearby to diversify the planting, provided access remains clear for thinning and harvest. Check foliage regularly and choose an integrated pest-management method if pests appear. Keep every neighbouring plant far enough away that its roots and canopy do not interfere with the carrot row.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Roots; young tops only when clean and correctly identified
'Yaya' carrot in the kitchen. Glazed 'Yaya' carrots — Scrub 500 g carrots and cut them on a diagonal into even pieces. Warm 15 mL butter or olive oil in a broad skillet, add the carrots, and cook for two minutes. Pour in 125 mL water, cover, and simmer gently until they are almost tender. Remove the lid and stir in 10 mL honey, 10 mL lemon juice, and 2 mL finely grated ginger. Turn the pieces frequently until the liquid becomes a light glaze rather than a syrupy pool. Season with black pepper, a small pinch of salt, and chopped parsley. Serve with roasted poultry, baked tofu, or a barley salad. Test the thickest piece with a knife and remove smaller pieces first if necessary. Wash all garden soil from the roots before cutting, clean the sink afterward, and use a separate board for ready-to-eat garnishes. Cool leftovers in a shallow covered container and refrigerate promptly. The glaze is for immediate eating and does not preserve the carrots.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When can 'Yaya' carrots be harvested?
Baby roots may be harvested around 50 days, while a fully developed carrot generally requires 55 to 62 days depending on soil, weather, and spacing. Use these periods as references, then check shoulder diameter and the texture of one test root before lifting the entire row. Loosen soil gently while it is slightly moist and pull without a sudden movement. An early harvest gives smaller, tender roots, while several additional days allow a fuller size when moisture remains even. Remove tops promptly, cool the roots, and use split or lightly damaged carrots first. Discard any root showing rot before storage or food preparation.
Why do carrots become forked or fibrous?
Yaya's blunt-tipped Nantes root should be cylindrical, but its tip can divide if it is transplanted, bruised during thinning, or forced around stones and compacted soil. Sow directly about 6 mm deep, thin from 2.5 cm to 5 cm spacing, and prepare a fine bed before germination rather than trying to correct hard ground later. Avoid fresh manure in the row. A carrot may remain straight yet become fibrous when harvest is delayed or moisture fluctuates sharply. Since Yaya is listed at about 56 days, begin checking an individual root near that point and use tenderness as the final guide. Maintain even water, including rainfall, without leaving the bed saturated. If exposed shoulders start greening, pull loose soil over them while keeping the leaf crown clear. Note whether a disappointing root was branched, cracked, or merely tough; each symptom calls for a different adjustment.
Can 'Yaya' be grown in a container?
Yes. 'Yaya' is a Nantes-type carrot, so choose a planter at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with unobstructed drainage and fill it with loose, stone-free potting mix. Direct-sow 0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 3/8 in) deep rather than transplanting seedlings. Keep the surface moist through emergence, then thin with scissors to approximately 5 cm (2 in) between plants. Full sun supports steady growth, but check moisture daily because a container dries faster than a garden row. Cover exposed shoulders lightly without burying the leaf crown. Begin checking baby roots around 50 days and allow longer for full cylindrical roots. Replace compacted mix between crops and never leave the pot standing in water.
When should 'Yaya' carrots be harvested?
Begin checking baby carrots around 50 days after sowing. For fully developed roots, allow approximately 55 to 62 days, while using shoulder diameter and texture instead of one absolute date. 'Yaya' produces smooth, cylindrical Nantes roots that generally reach 16 to 19 cm at full size. Harvest after watering or light rain, then loosen soil with a fork before pulling. Late harvest or water stress can make roots more fibrous. Remove tops promptly, cool the carrots, and use broken or split roots first. Keep freshly lifted roots shaded while working outdoors and discard any specimen showing decay. Wash every root thoroughly before serving it raw.
How can 'Yaya' carrot harvests be spread through the season?
Sow short rows every two or three weeks while your local calendar still allows roots to develop before extreme heat or freezing weather. Record each sowing date and keep the surface moist until emergence. Thin seedlings to approximately 5 cm between plants. Harvest the first row young around 50 days, then allow later rows to reach the preferred size. Fully developed roots generally require 55 to 62 days depending on conditions. This method provides regular portions, simplifies family cooking, and prevents one large crop from becoming ready at the same time. Stop late sowings when the remaining season is too short for dependable root growth.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Yaya produces its smooth orange root without help from pollinating insects. A root reserved beyond harvest can flower the next year, forming white umbels that small bees, flies, and beetles often explore. That stage ends useful root quality and is uncommon in an annual carrot bed. Dedicated companion flowers offer insects food without sacrificing the crop.
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