Daucus carota 'Nantes', Nantes Carrot
Annuals

Daucus carota 'Nantes'

Nantes Carrot

ApiaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width6-8 inches
Maturity0.08 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Daucus carota 'Nantes' is a classic heirloom carrot cultivar renowned for its cylindrical, blunt-tipped roots and exceptional eating quality. This variety produces smooth, bright orange carrots that typically measure 6-7 inches in length and 1.5 inches in diameter, with a characteristic sweet, crisp texture and minimal core. The roots are notably uniform in shape, making them ideal for both fresh eating and processing. Above ground, Daucus carota 'Nantes' develops feathery, fern-like foliage that emerges from a central crown, reaching 12-18 inches in height. The compound leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments, creating an airy, delicate appearance that distinguishes carrots from other root vegetables. During its second year (if allowed to bolt), the plant produces characteristic flat-topped umbels of tiny white flowers typical of the Apiaceae family, though carrots are typically harvested in their first year before flowering occurs.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, with wild populations found from the Mediterranean region through central Asia. The 'Nantes' cultivar specifically originated in the Nantes region of France in the 1850s, where it was developed for its superior eating quality and uniform shape.

Suggested Uses

Daucus carota 'Nantes' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing. Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, and preserving. The uniform shape makes it ideal for commercial production and farmers markets. Can be succession planted for continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

How to Identify

Daucus carota 'Nantes' can be identified by its distinctive feathery, fern-like foliage with finely dissected compound leaves that emerge from the carrot crown. The leaves have a fresh, slightly spicy carrot scent when crushed. Underground, the variety produces characteristic cylindrical orange roots with blunt, rounded tips rather than pointed ends. The roots are notably smooth-skinned and uniform, typically measuring 6-7 inches long with minimal tapering. When cut, 'Nantes' carrots show a small, tender core surrounded by bright orange flesh.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.08 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

second year if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white

Foliage Description

bright green, fern-like and feathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Daucus carota 'Nantes' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during germination and root development. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, which can cause roots to split or develop excessive foliage at the expense of root growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over root development. Keep the soil loose and well-cultivated to prevent root deformation, and hill soil slightly over developing carrot shoulders to prevent green coloring from sun exposure.

Pruning

Daucus carota 'Nantes' requires minimal pruning during the growing season. Remove any flower stalks immediately if they appear, as bolting will make roots tough and bitter. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they reach 2 inches tall, removing excess plants to prevent overcrowding. Harvest by gently loosening soil around roots and pulling straight up, cutting off tops immediately after harvest to prevent moisture loss.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Daucus carota 'Nantes' roots and leaves are non-toxic and safe for human consumption. The roots are commonly eaten raw or cooked, while young leaves can be used as herbs in small quantities. Generally safe around pets, though large quantities of carrot tops may cause digestive upset in some animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks before last frost through mid-summer

Days to Maturity

65–75 days

Plant Spacing

3 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
lettuce
onions
leeks
chives
rosemary
sage

Avoid Planting With

dill
fennel
parsnips
coriander