Organic 'Nantes Scarlet' carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) from McKenzie seed company, a classic sweet and very crisp variety
The 'Nantes Scarlet' carrot is one of the most popular and reliable garden carrot varieties , prized for its regular cylindrical roots , bright orange flesh , and nearly no core . The texture is tender yet exceptionally crisp , with a naturally sweet flavor that remains pleasant even after cooking. This uniformity of flesh makes it ideal for freezing and versatile culinary uses.
A tried and tested variety, 'Nantes Écarlate' is distinguished by its uniform growth and consistent flavor . It attracts bees and other pollinators , while also fitting perfectly into home vegetable gardens. The leaves are edible , adding extra value to the crop.
Companion plants: Onion, Leek, Chives, Rosemary, Sage
Negative plants: Coriander, Dill, Parsnip
Spread/Habit: Cylindrical root, upright foliage
Foliage height: 30 to 40 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 1,000 to 1,100 seeds
Special features: Almost coreless flesh, very crisp, excellent for freezing, attracts pollinators
Root color: Bright orange
Texture/flavor: Tender, crisp, and sweet flesh
Cold tolerance: Good tolerance to cool temperatures
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed . The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 7 and 29°C . Prepare well-cultivated, loose, deep soil rich in organic matter .
Lightly saturate the soil before sowing, then sow at a depth of 6 mm . Gently press down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, cover with fine soil, and water with a light mist . It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually occurs in 10 to 14 days .
When the plants have 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , proceed to thin them to maintain a spacing of approximately 5 to 8 cm between plants, with rows spaced 30 cm apart.
Carry out successive sowings every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July to ensure a continuous harvest.
Carrots prefer full sun exposure (level 3) and regular watering , equivalent to 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting typically begins 68 days after sowing , but carrots can be harvested at different stages depending on their intended use. For optimal flavor , harvest when the roots are no more than 5 cm in diameter . Avoid leaving the roots in the ground for too long to prevent them from becoming fibrous.
Usage ideas
• Fresh and crispy consumption
• Freezing and storage
• Steaming, boiling or roasting
• Soups and stews
• Using the tops in cooking
The 'Nantes Écarlate' carrot from McKenzie Seeds is a reliable choice for the vegetable garden , combining sweetness , crispness , and proven dependability . A classic and high-performing variety, ideal for gardeners seeking a consistently high-quality carrot that is as enjoyable to grow as it is to cook.
