'Nantes Scarlet' carrot on a ribbon
identification
description
'Nantes Scarlet' carrot on ribbon (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) from the McKenzie seed company, a classic Nantes variety that is sweet and very crisp
The 'Nantes Scarlet' carrot is one of the most popular and reliable varieties of home garden carrots . It produces regular, cylindrical roots with bright orange , almost coreless flesh, offering a tender yet exceptionally crisp texture . The flavor is mild and well-balanced , making it a carrot enjoyed both raw and cooked. Its uniform flesh makes it ideal for freezing and a variety of culinary uses.
Presented on biodegradable seed tape , this version allows for precise, clean, and uniform sowing , reducing thinning and facilitating cultivation, particularly in home gardens and raised beds. As with all tapes, maintaining consistent moisture throughout germination is essential to ensure successful emergence. The crop is safe for bees and attracts pollinators .
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 seed type: Seed on tape
Quantity per pack: Approximately 4.5 m (15 ft) strip, approximately 500+ seeds
Special features: Almost coreless flesh, very crisp, ideal for freezing, uniform sowing, attracts pollinators
Root color: Bright orange
Texture/flavor: Tender flesh, very crisp and sweet
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 loose, deep, well-worked soil rich in organic matter .
Make shallow furrows 1.3 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart. Place the seed tape in the furrow, water thoroughly, then cover with about 6 mm of soil . Water gently again. It is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 10 to 14 days .
Thanks to the ribbon, no significant thinning is required . Sow successively every 2 to 3 weeks , from spring 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 . 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 a fibrous texture.
Store carrots at 0°C , with a relative humidity of approximately 95% and good air circulation.
Usage ideas
• Fresh and crispy consumption
• Freezing and storage
• Steaming, boiling, or roasting
• Soups and stews
• Using the tops in cooking
McKenzie's 'Nantes Écarlate' carrot tape offers the same renowned quality as the seed version , with the added simplicity and precision of tape . A classic, productive, and reliable variety, perfect for gardeners seeking consistent results without compromising on flavor.
