The Carrot Scarlet Nantes, 'Daucus carota var. sativus', is an old standard that has a reputation for sweet flavor and crisp texture. The bright orange-red roots are 6 to 7 inches long. The open pollinated Scarlet Nantes deserves to be and old favorite because of the sweet flavor, crisp texture and an inconspicuous core. The dye from carrots is used to color butter.
Carrot seed germinates in soils as cold as 45 degrees, but performs best in warm soils. The first sowing should be 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Successive planting every 3 weeks until 70 days before the first fall frost extends the production season. In very warm climates carrots are grown primarily in the fall. The single most important factor in growing carrots is to have a deep, clod and rock free, well drained soil. A 50% peat moss mix with the soil is ideal. Even moisture is essential.