Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO Sweet Orange Carrot

Grow one of the most beloved carrot varieties in home gardening with Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds. This classic 19th-century French heirloom is known for its bright orange color, crisp tender texture, and sweet classic carrot flavor. Scarlet Nantes is one of the original parent types behind many modern Nantes-style carrots and remains a trusted favorite for gardeners who want dependable, high-quality roots.

Scarlet Nantes produces smooth, slightly tapered orange roots that average about 5–7 inches long. The roots are crisp, tender, flavorful, and excellent for fresh eating, juicing, salads, roasting, soups, stews, lunch boxes, and everyday kitchen use.

Basic Product Information

Common Name: Scarlet Nantes Carrot

Latin Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Seed Type: Heirloom / Non-GMO

Plant Type: Annual root vegetable

Days to Maturity: Approximately 70 days

Days to Germination: 14–21 days

Root Size: About 5–7 inches long

Root Color: Classic bright orange skin and flesh

Flavor: Sweet, crisp, tender, classic carrot flavor

Growth Habit: Upright foliage with edible taproot

Plant Height: About 6–18 inches

USDA Growing Zones: Annual crop suitable for zones 3–10

Best Season: Cool spring and fall weather

Light Preference: Full sun

Temperature Preference: 55–75°F

Why Grow Scarlet Nantes Carrots?

Scarlet Nantes is famous for producing sweet, tender, nearly coreless carrots with a beautiful cylindrical shape and rounded ends. It is a wonderful home garden variety because it offers dependable flavor, attractive roots, and excellent kitchen versatility.

Unlike some longer carrot types, Scarlet Nantes performs well in home gardens and raised beds when soil is loose, deep, and well prepared. Its satisfying crunch and natural sweetness make it a favorite for both fresh eating and cooking.

Growing Information

Seeding Depth: 1/2 inch

Plant Spacing: Thin to 2–4 inches apart

Row Spacing: 18–24 inches apart

Soil Preference: Loose, loamy, sandy, composted, well-drained soil

Soil pH: About 6.0–7.0

Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination

Best Planting Time: Sow directly outdoors 2–3 weeks before the final spring frost

Successive Planting: Sow every 2 weeks for extended harvests

How to Grow

Carrots are best direct sown because they do not transplant well. Sow Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds outdoors in prepared garden soil. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and keep the seedbed evenly moist until germination.

Seeds usually germinate in 14–21 days. Once seedlings develop true leaves, thin plants to 2–4 inches apart so each carrot has enough space to form a straight, healthy root.

For best root shape, grow carrots in deep, loose, well-tilled soil with few rocks or hard clumps. Heavy clay, compacted soil, or rocky soil may cause crooked, forked, or misshapen roots.

Soil & Fertilizer Notes

Scarlet Nantes carrots prefer loose, sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid using too much nitrogen fertilizer, as excess nitrogen can encourage heavy leafy growth and poor root development. Compost-rich soil is helpful, but the bed should be soft, fine, and free of obstacles for straight taproot growth.

Harvest

Scarlet Nantes carrots are usually ready to harvest in about 70 days. Carrots are often ready when the top of the root begins to show above the soil and the root has reached full size.

For easier harvest, water lightly before pulling or loosen the soil around the roots. In loose sandy soil, carrots can usually be pulled by hand. In firmer soil, gently loosen the ground first to avoid breaking roots.

Pest & Garden Notes

Scarlet Nantes has no major serious pest or disease issues, but carrots can be affected by carrot rust fly and aster yellows in some growing areas. Good garden sanitation, crop rotation, and row cover may help protect young plants.

Best Uses in the Kitchen

Scarlet Nantes carrots are sweet, crisp, and versatile. They are excellent for:

Fresh eating
Juicing
Lunch boxes
Salads
Roasting
Soups and stews
Steamed vegetables
Stir-fries
Pickling
Home garden harvest baskets

Planting Tips for Best Results

Direct sow carrots instead of transplanting.

Keep soil moist during germination.

Thin seedlings early to avoid overcrowding.

Use loose, deep, rock-free soil for straighter roots.

Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.

Plant in cool weather for best sweetness and texture.

Sow every 2 weeks for a longer harvest window.

Harvest when roots reach full size and show good orange color.

Important Growing Note

Germination and growing results may vary depending on temperature, soil quality, moisture, planting depth, seed storage, and local growing conditions. Carrot seeds may take longer to germinate than many other vegetables, so keep the seedbed consistently moist and be patient.

This listing is for seeds only, not live plants.

Mai’s Family LLC – Love Plants, Love Earth.