Annuals

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes'

Nantes Carrot

UnknownEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width6-8 inches

Overview

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' is a classic carrot cultivar renowned for its exceptional sweetness and tender texture. This heirloom variety produces cylindrical roots that are 6-7 inches long and blunt-tipped, with a smooth, bright orange exterior and deep orange flesh throughout. The roots are nearly coreless, making them ideal for fresh eating and cooking applications. The foliage consists of finely divided, ferny green leaves that emerge from the crown in an upright rosette. The compound leaves are bipinnately divided into narrow, thread-like segments that give the plant its distinctive feathery appearance. Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' is distinguished from other carrot varieties by its uniform cylindrical shape, exceptional sweetness, and tender texture even when fully mature.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia, with wild forms found throughout temperate regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. The cultivated subspecies Daucus carota ssp. sativus was developed through centuries of selective breeding, with the 'Nantes' cultivar originating in the Nantes region of France.

Suggested Uses

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and deep containers. Excellent for fresh eating, juicing, cooking, and preserving. The sweet flavor makes it ideal for raw applications in salads and as a healthy snack. Also suitable for roasting, steaming, and inclusion in soups and stews.

How to Identify

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' can be identified by its distinctive feathery, bright green foliage consisting of finely divided compound leaves. The edible taproot is cylindrical, blunt-tipped, and measures 6-7 inches long with a smooth orange exterior. Unlike pointed varieties, the root has a distinctly rounded, blunt tip and maintains uniform diameter throughout most of its length. The flesh is deep orange, sweet, and nearly coreless.

Appearance

Bloom Information

summer (second year if biennial)

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white (if allowed to bolt)

Foliage Description

bright green, finely divided and feathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-80 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' requires well-drained, loose soil that allows for proper root development. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development. Keep the area weed-free, as carrots are poor competitors, especially when young.

Pruning

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' requires minimal pruning. Remove any flower stalks that appear if you want to focus energy on root development. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they are 2-3 inches tall to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper root formation.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Nantes' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. The roots are highly nutritious and commonly eaten. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to carrot foliage when handling the plants.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks before last frost to mid-summer

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Plant Spacing

2 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

chives
leeks
onions
rosemary
sage
tomatoes

Avoid Planting With

dill
parsnips
fennel