Scarlet Nantes

Scarlet Nantes seeds produce one of the most dependable and widely loved open-pollinated carrots in the home garden. This classic heirloom variety delivers smooth, cylindrical roots — typically 6 to 7 inches long with a blunt tip — in a deep, vivid orange that lives up to its name. The flesh is crisp, tender, and notably sweet, with a fine-grained texture and virtually no hard core, making it a favourite for fresh eating, juicing, and cooking alike.

Growing Guide

Scarlet Nantes matures in approximately 65 to 70 days from sowing. Carrots are a cool-season crop; sow seeds directly into the garden in early spring (4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date) or in late summer for a autumn harvest. A second sowing in mid-spring extends your harvest window comfortably.

Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours daily). Carrots perform best in loose, deeply worked soil that is free of stones and clods — compacted or rocky ground causes forking and stunted roots. Raised beds and well-amended sandy loam are ideal. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart, then thin seedlings to 2 to 3 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall. Crowded carrots produce narrow, misshapen roots, so thinning is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take 10 to 21 days depending on soil temperature. Optimal germination temperature: 55°F to 75°F. Difficulty level: beginner-friendly with well-prepared soil.

Harvest & Use

Roots are ready to harvest when they reach ¾ to 1 inch in diameter at the shoulder — typically around 65 days, though leaving them a few extra days after a light frost intensifies their sweetness as starches convert to sugars. Loosen the soil with a fork before pulling to avoid snapping the roots.

The flavour is clean and genuinely sweet, with a satisfying crunch that holds up equally well raw or cooked. Use Scarlet Nantes fresh in salads and crudités, roast them to bring out their natural sugars, or add them to soups, stews, and stocks. They juice exceptionally well due to their low bitterness and high moisture content. For storage, remove tops, keep roots unwashed in a cool, humid environment, and they will hold for 4 to 6 months. Refrigerate for short-term use.

A reliable, versatile carrot that rewards attentive soil preparation with a harvest well worth the wait — season after season.