Scientific Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Common Names: Carrot 'Scarlet Nantes'

Family: APIACEAE (Carrot & Parsley Family)

Etymology

Daucus: Ancient Name; Greek
carota: Carrot
sativus: Cultivated

Origin

Wild Daucus carota grow natively in Europe and South West Asia.  Scarlet Nantes is a heirloom carrot variety which originates from mid 19th century France.  It was bred by the French seed company Vilmorin which was founded in 1742 and is still around today, although it's not owned anymore by the same family that kept it running up until the mid 20th century. 

Description

Scarlet Nantes carrots are prolific and can grow up to 15cm long.  They are a rich orange colour and have a very small core and crisp, sweet flesh with a superb flavour.  One of the better varieties for growing in heavier soils, less prone to stunting and forking.

Uses

Carrot 'Scarlet Nantes' is a versatile variety which can be eaten raw as a snack plain or with a dip, added raw to salads, steamed or added to stir-fries and casseroles.  This sweetness and flavour of this variety also make it a good choice for juicing.

Germination

Sow carrot seeds during Spring after the last chance of frost in cold regions, in Spring or Autumn in temperate and subtropical areas, and in Autumn in the tropics.  Direct sow the seed where they are to grow 1cm deep in rows spaced 30cm apart, once they have grown for several weeks thin to the healthiest seedlings leaving about 4cm between each carrot.  It is important that the seeds do not dry out, a wet sheet of hessian can be placed over the top of sown seed then removed after 5 days to help keep the moisture in.  Seedlings should never be transplanted or the carrots will grow with multiple forks.  Fresh animals manures also tend to increase the chance of forking.

Cultivation

Takes 10-11 weeks from sowing the seed till harvest.  Prefers a position in full sun.