Nantes Scarlet

Carrot

Zone 12b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Nantes Scarlet

🌱 75d to harvest Rosette

Sink your spoon into the vivid sweetness of Nantes Scarlet—its roots ripen to a rich, warm scarlet-orange with a fine, tapered si…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 17th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Daucus carota (carrot) and how do I fix it?

Carrot fly (and its maggots) is the most common problem, often causing tunnels and stunted roots. Cover beds with fine insect mesh as soon as seedlings emerge, keep weeds down, and pull any infested plants immediately to prevent larvae from moving to healthy roots. If you notice leaf-feeding damage and wilting, check the soil surface near stems for maggots and remove affected roots before the next generation can develop.

How often should I water Nantes Scarlet carrots during the main growing phase?

During active root bulking (roughly weeks 4–10), keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1 in (2.5 cm) of water per week total, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply, then avoid letting the soil dry out completely; fluctuations can lead to cracking and misshapen roots. Use a gentle flow to prevent washing seeds/seedlings and water early in the day.

How can I tell when Nantes Scarlet carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots are fully colored and typically about finger-thick (often around 1/2–3/4 in / 1.3–2 cm) and reach the packet timing of about 75 days. If you see the shoulder of the root lifting at the soil surface, check one for diameter before pulling the rest. For best sweetness, harvest on a dry day and avoid leaving them too long in hot weather, which can reduce quality.

Sink your spoon into the vivid sweetness of Nantes Scarlet—its roots ripen to a rich, warm scarlet-orange with a fine, tapered silhouette and a crisp, tender bite. The flesh stays delightfully smooth and juicy, with a classic Nantes texture that shines in fresh salads and quick-roasting trays, or shines through in bright sauces and vivid pickles. A cool-season favorite for gardeners who love reliable, uniform roots that look as striking as they taste.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For Nantes-type carrots, keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination and thin early to prevent root forking.