Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes'
nantes carrot
Open-pollinated heirloom (French origin, Nantes region, 1850s); the species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia
Overview
Daucus carota subsp. sativus spp. 'Nantes' is Nantes carrot (Nantes Half-Long), a biennial grown as an annual for root production, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) foliage above ground. The edible root is a cylindrical shape with a blunt rounded tip, 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long and 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) diameter — nearly uniform width from shoulder to tip. Deep orange. The Nantes type has a coreless texture: no distinct woody core — the flesh is uniformly tender throughout. Bright green finely divided feathery (tripinnate) foliage. In the carrot family (Apiaceae spp.). Open-pollinated heirloom (French origin, Nantes region, 1850s). Seed can be saved (biennial — flowers in the second year). Requires deep loose soil — forks in heavy clay or rocky soil (the primary limitation). Direct-sow only — carrots resent transplanting. Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is the primary pest. The foliage can cause contact dermatitis (phytophotodermatitis) in some individuals when handled in sunlight. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated heirloom (French origin, Nantes region, 1850s). The species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) and 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Nantes-type carrot — coreless tender texture. Requires loose soil. Open-pollinated heirloom. Direct-sow. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Biennial: flowers in the second year if overwintered — white flat-topped compound umbels. Grown as an annual for root production. Bolting in the first year makes the root woody.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White flat-topped compound umbels — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable for root productionFoliage Description
Bright green, finely divided and feathery (tripinnate compound), 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Deep loose well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0 — forks in clay or rocky soil. Direct-sow only. Thin to 2 inches (5 cm). Consistent moisture. Carrot rust fly. Foliage may cause phytophotodermatitis. Succession-sow. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Thin seedlings to 2 inches (5 cm) apart when 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Pull entire root at harvest. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. No pruning of foliage during growth.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons