James' Scarlet Intermediate

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sink your senses into James' Scarlet Intermediate’s vivid, true-scarlet roots—sweet, carrot-forward flavor with a tender, crisp bite that stays pleasantly juicy from garden to table.

This Imperator-class favorite forms smooth, well-filled roots with a classic intermediate length and a refined, uniform shape, ideal for showcasing in fresh bunches or turning into vibrant color for sauces and roasting. Grow it for reliable performance around 75 days, and enjoy the satisfying crunch that makes every harvest feel like a small celebration of spring’s best color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of James' Scarlet Intermediate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

James' Scarlet Intermediate is built for crunch: it roasts into bright caramel edges without turning woolly, so it stays texturally honest. Use citrus and fat to make the sweetness read as lively rather than flat—its flavor lands clean and juicy in every bite.

Best Uses

fresh bunch slicing with a quick citrusy vinaigrette
roasting on high heat until caramel edges form while staying crisp-tender
butter-slick carrot purée for a smooth, vivid side
glossy carrot ribbons or sticks for snacking with herby dips

Flavor Profile

sweet, carrot-forward flavor tender-crisp bite with juicy snap classic earthy sweetness with a clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter orange ginger lemon honey Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Daucus carota (carrots) like James' Scarlet Intermediate, and how can I control it?

A common problem is carrot rust fly, whose maggots tunnel into roots and leave tunnels with dark frass. Use row cover right after sowing to block egg-laying, and thin seedlings promptly so plants don’t stay crowded (crowding can worsen damage). If you see fly activity later, remove and destroy infested roots early to reduce the next generation of larvae.

How often should I water Daucus carota during the main growing phase to keep roots smooth and avoid cracking?

During the main bulking stage (after seedlings establish and until about a month before harvest), keep the bed evenly moist—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply, then let the top 1/2 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again; inconsistent moisture can lead to forked or cracked roots. Avoid frequent “light sprinkles,” which promote shallow roots that dry out and split.

How do I tell when James' Scarlet Intermediate carrots are ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70–75 days from sowing: harvest when the shoulders are clearly colored and you can feel the root diameter through the soil. Typical readiness looks like a thumb- to finger-sized root with firm texture and bright orange color at the top; leaving them too long can increase toughness. Pull one carrot first to confirm size, then harvest the rest promptly.