As you browse homegrown vegetable seed for your next seasonal crop, consider planting a diverse variety of Daucus carota. This crunchy root vegetable contains an abundance of nutrients, such as beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, antioxidants and water. It even comes in a delightful range of vibrant colors that add an Instagrammable pop to any dish. A hearty addition to any home garden, this superfood is also a blessing to the dinner table with its diversity of uses. It can be grilled, blanched, steamed, stewed, sautéed, canned, chopped and tossed in a salad, or eaten raw.
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Types of Carrots
What is Daucus carota, you ask? This wonder-veg is, of course, carrots! The 5 main types of carrots to try in your home garden are categorized according to shape: Danvers, Nantes, Imperator, Chantenay and Miniature.
Danvers
When you hear the word “carrot,” what kind of image comes to mind? Most likely, it’s a type of Danvers carrot: a long, slender cylinder of medium size at its widest that tapers to a point. It is usually deep orange in hue but is known to come in other colors as well. Danvers carrots are tender, rich in flavor and mildly sweet. Developed in the town of Danvers, Massachusetts, this carrot variety is the easiest to grow, thriving even in poor, shallow soil. The root grows 6″ to 8″ and proves remarkably resistant to heat, cracks and splitting. Varieties include Danvers 126, Yellowstone and Half-Long.
Nantes
The Nantes carrot is also long and cylindrical. It is readily distinguished by its rounded ends and smooth, perfect red-orange skin. It tends to be sweeter than a Danvers, especially when harvested smaller, but it can be left to grow up to 6″ or 7″. Though developed by the Dutch, the Nantes carrot is named for the French city of Nantes, where it is grown prolifically. This hardy carrot grows well in all kinds of conditions, even in heavier, rocky or clay-like soils. The rapidly maturing Nantes carrot comprises cultivars such as Napoli, White Satin, Touchon and Bolero.
Imperator
The Imperator carrot is your typical grocery store variety due to its higher levels of sugar. Though it is a cross between the Nantes and Chantenay carrots, its appearance is more similar to the Danvers, though slightly thicker. It reaches 6″ to 7″ in length with a tapered end and classic orange color. Unlike the Nantes, the Imperator carrot prefers light, sandy, loamy soil and will split if grown in heavy soils. Tough-skinned and thick, this North American carrot variety stores well and peels easily. Experiment with cultivars like Cosmic Red, Apache, or Imperator 58.
Chantenay
The Chantenay was the original carrot for heavy, imperfect soils before the Nantes. It appears short and stubby, with abundant greens, 2″ to 3″ crowns and only 4″ or 5″ in total length. Though they can grow up to 7″ long, it’s better to harvest them early since they can become woody and coarse. Chantenay produces a high yield of small, sweet red-orange cores, ideal for canning. Chantenay cultivars include Hercules, Red-Cored Chantenay and Royal Chantenay.
Miniature
Miniatures are a diverse category of carrots that grow to about 3″ or 4″ in length and develop in a rotund radish-like shape. Because of their size and early harvest, they are a fantastic carrot for growing in containers and pots. They taste sweetest when braised or roasted, but they also make a convenient snack when eaten raw from the stem. Also known as Ball or Round carrots, look into Miniature varieties like Thumbelina, Babette or Paris Market.
How to Grow Carrots
To grow and harvest any variety of carrot, follow these steps.
- Determine a location for the carrot section of your garden. Carrots grow well in full sun or partial sun.
- Prepare the soil. Use fertile, sandy soil free of weeds that could choke out the carrot seedlings. Loosen the dirt to at least 10″ deep, making sure there are no rocks, clumps or roots that will get in the way of root development.
- Sow the seeds 2″ apart and ¼” deep. Rows should be a foot apart. Plan to sow anytime from April to August, or at least three weeks before the last frost for summer carrots or ten weeks before the first frost for autumn harvesting. Carrots grown over a frost will store more nutrients and therefore taste better. Germination takes 10 to 14 days.
- Optional: Simultaneously plant seedlings from the Allium family, such as onions, garlic or chives, to help control common carrot pests.
- Water to about 1″ regularly.
- Weed consistently, but be careful not to knock the carrot roots loose.
- Once the root begins to show, add mulch over top to prevent weeds from popping up and to protect the roots from drying out from harsh sun exposure.
- At 1″ in height, thin out the extraneous seedlings by cutting their greens with scissors. Do not pull them out lest you disturb the roots of the others.
- Upon reaching at least 4″ in height, water about 2″ regularly.
- Carrots are ready for harvest after 60 to 80 days. You can also harvest them early at ½” in diameter as baby carrots.
- Gently pull the base of the greens until the root comes out. Cut the greens so that ½” of the stem is left. Wash with cold water. Store in a cool place in a container of sawdust or damp sand. Alternatively, leave them outside under some mulch during the colder months.
From Amateur to Expert
Now that you are familiar with the main categories of carrots, you’ll be able to decide which one will be the best fit for your home garden. Beginner gardeners can’t go wrong with the classic Danvers carrot, as long as you have the outdoor space for them. Chantenay and Nantes are miraculous if your soil is clumpy, rocky or riddled with clay. Imperators are an excellent choice for gardeners whose priority is sweetness and ease of use in the kitchen. Finally, the adorable Miniature carrots are ideal for those who have a windowsill garden rather than an outdoor space. With at least 40 varieties among the 5 major categories, you’ll have more than enough options to play with over the long growing season. Soon enough, you’ll grow too from being an amateur gardener to an expert!
