Carrot

Developed from the wildflower Queen Anne’s Lace, the carrot has been cultivated for centuries in Europe. Rich in calcium, vitamin A, and fiber, carrots are very easy to grow and come in many shapes and sizes. Imperator carrots are the long, smooth, slim types found in supermarkets. Nantes carrots are slender in shape with rounded ends, or stump roots. Chantenay carrots are broad at the top with a tapering shape and rounded end. Nantes and Chantenay type hybrids have exceptional sweetness, flavor and color.

Storage Tips: As with other root crops, carrots store well after harvesting and can retain much of their vitamin A up to six months. To store, cut off tops 1-2 above the root and place in a cool, moist area (32°F., 95% relative humidity). Carrots can be stored in large plastic bags with air holes, or in boxes of moist sand, wood chips or peat. Do not store them with apples or other fresh fruit. Small, tender carrots can also be frozen.

Culture:
A deeply-tilled sandy loam or organic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8 is best for carrots. Raised beds with minimal compaction work well, and timely watering is advisable. We offer pelleted seed for precision planting. Germination takes 2-3 weeks, and early growth is slow. As carrots near maturity, throw loose soil over root crowns during cultivation to reduce green shoulders. After harvest, topped carrots remain in excellent condition for many weeks if kept cold and moist (35° F and 95% relative humidity). To prevent bitter flavor, do not store with apples or other fruits that give off natural ethylene gas.

Average Seed Count:
Raw Seed - 1,000/Pkt; 19,000/Oz.; 175,000-390,000/Lb.
Pelleted Seed - 350/Pkt; 3,000 - 5,000/Oz.