Nelson

Carrot

Zone 12b Save Garden

🌱 65d to harvest Taproot

Sweetly earthy and sun-warmed from the first bite, Nelson Nantes carrots form a smooth, tapered root with a crisp, fine-grained s…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 7th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Sunshine Cherry Tomato

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) and how do I treat it?

Carrots are commonly hit by carrot rust fly larvae, which tunnel into roots and leave dark, distorted patches. Prevent it by covering beds with fine row cover as soon as seedlings emerge, then remove the cover only during feeding windows; pull and destroy any severely infested roots to reduce breeding. If you see leaf blight-like spotting on foliage, avoid overhead watering and improve airflow by thinning crowded plants.

How often should I water carrots during their main growing phase to avoid misshapen roots?

During active root bulking (roughly after thinning until harvest), keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week in total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water in smaller, frequent amounts if the top few inches dry out quickly, because irregular moisture causes cracking and forking. Aim for deep moisture that reaches the full rooting zone, since carrots (Apiaceae) develop a long taproot that responds to consistent moisture.

How can I tell when my carrots are ready to harvest?

Check harvest readiness around 65 days after sowing, but verify by examining the top of the root near the soil line—most varieties are ready when the shoulder is thick enough for the variety’s typical diameter. For sweeter, tender roots, harvest earlier for baby carrots and delay only slightly for fuller roots before they become woody. Pull a sample plant first; if roots are slender and hard to break off cleanly, wait a week and recheck.

Sweetly earthy and sun-warmed from the first bite, Nelson Nantes carrots form a smooth, tapered root with a crisp, fine-grained snap and a richly orange core. At maturity (about 65 days), the slender shoulders and uniform length make them especially satisfying for fresh pulling, roasting, and brightening into vivid sauces—plus they’re ideal for pickling when you want color that stays bold.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Sow Nantes-type carrots thin early and keep the soil consistently moist for fast, even germination to prevent forked roots.