What are the sun requirements for Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Nantes'?

Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Nantes' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Nantes' need?

Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Nantes' has Medium water needs.

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

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width6-8 inches (15-20 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Daucus carota subsp. sativus '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). 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

Identified by cylindrical deep orange roots with a blunt rounded tip, 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) long — nearly uniform width from shoulder to tip. The blunt tip and the coreless tender texture distinguish Nantes from Danvers (tapered conical) and Imperator (long slender tapered). In Apiaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

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 production

Foliage Description

Bright green, finely divided and feathery (tripinnate compound), 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-80 days from direct sow

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.