Amsterdam Forcing

Carrot

70d to harvest

Sweet, carrot-scented sunshine fills the garden as Amsterdam Forcing develops—tender roots with a crisp, fine-grained bite and a vivid, true-orange glow. This Amsterdam Carrot class is prized for its smooth, well-shaped roots that stay pleasantly delicate, making them a favorite for fresh use and for quick-roasting style preparations, as well as brightening sauces and pickling. Sow with confidence for a reliable, early harvest rhythm around 70 days, and enjoy the clean, garden-fresh flavor that tastes as lively as it looks.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 10th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage downy mildew and leaf spots on Amsterdam Forcing (beet/forçage type) if leaves start yellowing or spotting?

Keep foliage as dry as possible by watering at the soil line and spacing plants so leaves don’t stay wet overnight. Remove and discard badly spotted leaves immediately, then spray with a labeled fungicide for edible greens/root crops when you first see symptoms (follow the product’s timing and re-entry interval). Avoid overhead watering and don’t reuse infected plant debris in the compost to prevent the disease from cycling back into the bed.

How often should I water Amsterdam Forcing during the main growing phase to get good roots?

Water deeply to keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist, especially from emergence through root swelling (about the first two-thirds of the 70-day cycle). In typical home gardens this often means about 1 inch per week total, split into 1–2 watering sessions—more often during hot spells, less when the soil stays cool and damp. If the soil dries out between waterings or turns waterlogged, roots tend to be rough and uneven, so aim for consistent moisture without standing water.

When is Amsterdam Forcing ready to harvest, and how do I know it’s the right size?

Start checking around day 60, but harvest at about 70 days when roots are about 1.5–2 inches across and the tops are sturdy rather than overly stretched. Lift a plant or two to confirm size—beets (including forcing types) are best when they’re tender, so don’t wait until they’re much larger. If you see roots cracking or getting very firm, harvest promptly to prevent toughness.