Carrots require fertile, well-tilled soil for optimal growth, with seeds best planted directly into the garden rather than transplanted later.
Gardeners usually find the blunt-tipped Nantes varieties to be easiest for growing. There are also short, cone-shaped Chanty varieties which do well in rocky or shallow soil conditions and miniature types designed for containers.
Which Type of Carrot is Right for You?
The ideal carrot varieties to grow depend on your climate and soil type, with certain varieties being easier to cultivate than others, while others might better suit less-than-ideal conditions.
Carrots require loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients for best growth. To do this, add one or more inches of organic matter prior to planting and amend the soil with compost, before digging a bed that fits your seeds perfectly and eliminating any weeds in the area. Carrot seeds can easily be direct sown directly or planted into containers or raised beds with quarter or half inch deep spacing between rows to reduce needing to thin later on.
If carrot fly maggots are an issue for your crop, consider growing resistant varieties such as Resistafly or Flyaway which have been specifically developed to combat them. These strains have been designed specifically to ward off maggots which threaten your harvest.
Danvers variety carrots produce deliciously crunchy, sweet carrots that maintain their shape after being cooked, reaching maturity within just 58 days and producing 6-inch blunt-tipped carrots with vibrant orange hues and delicious sweetness.
Danvers
Established in Danvers, Massachusetts during the late 19th century and selected for its ability to withstand heavy soils, this hardy 19th-century American garden heirloom carrot variety was chosen because it provided good yields with smooth skins and uniformity (hence its name of Danvers 126). Later improved for improved yields with smoother skins and uniformity (hence its designation by number), Danvers has since also proven adept in warmer climates while interplanted nicely with onions for interplanting purposes. Reaching 6 to 7 inches long with wide shoulders making them easier to pull while resisting cracking or splitting.
Danvers carrots, like all heirloom varieties, are ideal for use both cooking and raw eating. Their orange roots feature sweet and crisp textures with an irresistibly fresh flavor; perfect for winter storage as it retains its shape after being cooked unlike some varieties which become soggy afterward.
Sow Danvers seeds in spring three weeks before the last frost through midsummer for an abundant summer harvest. Prepare the planting site by loosening soil to 10 to 12 inches deep, adding organic material for increased porosity and nutrition, sowing seeds in low mounds and lightly covering with more soil; keeping moist to ensure even germination which usually takes one to three weeks; water regularly, weed frequently to minimize competition from competing weeds growing; carrots should be ready for consumption within 65-75 days.
Dragon
Dragon Carrots are one of the most beloved varieties among home gardeners, producing flavorful carrots with an irresistibly fresh taste and firm texture that are easy to grow – ideal for both beginner gardeners and kids! It makes an excellent starter variety.
Growing fairly rapidly for a carrot variety, reaching maturity within 65 days. This makes it ideally suited to harvest in either midseason or fall in mild climates; plus it makes a wonderful choice for containers!
This hybrid variety produces vibrant orange carrots with a blunt tip, ideal for growing in heavy or rocky soil where pointed tips would otherwise get caught or fork into small pieces. Ideal for those with limited space and excellent for juicing.
Carrots are an extremely beneficial garden vegetable, yet patience must be applied when waiting for harvest time to arrive. But once it does come, carrots are deliciously worth your while! Carrots have long been used in kitchens across America as they add both texture and nutrition to most dishes – from salads and stews to garnishing for dessert! Carrots add dimension and make any meal more appetizing and nutritious!
Imperator
Imperator carrots are an extremely versatile variety with smooth and easy-to-pill skins, sweeter flavor profiles than other varieties, fast growth rates and harvest timeframes than many others. Ideal for cooking as well as fresh eating. Their fast growth rates make this variety suitable for gardeners looking to harvest sooner rather than later – though sandy or light loamy soils won’t produce optimal results; best results come from clay or sandy loamy soils with higher organic matter content.
Danvers types are classic medium-length carrots, introduced as an heirloom variety in the 1800s and revered for their delicious taste and near coreless roots. Growing to approximately 6 to 6-7 inches long and tolerating heavier soil conditions than Imperator varieties. Furthermore, they store well.
Chantenay types are shorter cone shaped carrots with bulgier shoulders and tapering ends that taper off to a blunt point. Chantenay carrots have the advantage of withstanding hard frost conditions while boasting rich, sweet flavors; popular varieties include Red Core Chantenay and Kurota.
Amsterdam varieties of carrots grow short and slender, reaching approximately three inches long. Their roots adapt more readily to heavy soil than other varieties, making them an excellent option for gardeners with poor-quality soil conditions. Furthermore, these carrots mature more quickly than their counterparts making them an excellent summer crop suitable for fresh eating or salads.
Chantenay Red Core
These carrots have a mild sweetness that makes them ideal for use in stews and soups, as well as being very easy to grow; their straight rows reach 6-8 inches long making this variety an excellent fall option.
Carrots require rich, light soil with high organic matter content that has been deeply worked. Sow seeds 2-4 weeks before the average last frost date in a sunny location at 1/4-1/2 deep and 12-16 apart in rows, keeping soil moist until germination, which usually happens 6-21 days depending on temperature. Carrots are heavy feeders; use compost or manure at planting time as fertilizer while mulching can keep moisture locked into the soil and suppress weeds. They’re susceptible to leaf spot and blight diseases which can be controlled with fungicide applications.
Ferry Morse first introduced this F1 hybrid variety by Ferry Morse in 1930 as an heirloom variety similar to Nantes and boasting sweet flavor and crisp texture, similar to Danvers but wider and heavier than Half Long Lucerne. It grows slightly shorter than Danvers but wider and heavier than Half Long Lucerne, boasting smooth medium-tapping surface that yields dark orange interior with no forking needed in heavy soil conditions. Yields and storage capabilities are excellent while its carrots contain essential vitamins and minerals while their fragile roots must be dug by hand due to not suitable machine harvesting equipment being suitable.
Oxheart
Oxheart Tomatoes, with their heart-shaped appearance, have earned themselves the moniker “Oxheart Tomato” as well as their Italian name ‘Cuore di Bue’ (ox heart). This heirloom variety grows into an impressive size; some varieties, like Bull’s Heart and Giant Oxheart reach two pounds or more! These tomatoes feature thin skinned, soft meaty textures perfect for grilling and rich flavors that work perfectly in soups, canning, and sauces!
This indeterminate tomato variety requires staking or trellising to support its vining growth habit, or it will become unruly and grow leggy in containers requiring ample soil. Producing high yields within 80-90 days.
Gardeners should plant Oxheart tomatoes separately from other varieties to prevent cross pollination and ensure optimal flavor. It’s an ideal variety for home growers who like saving their seeds; when harvesting Oxhearts gently twist off when they reach peak flavor and color before roasting for side dishes or breakfast food! Plus this versatile variety adds great color when combined with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves!
