Description

Carrot Nantes (Daucus carota var. sativus) is a popular heirloom variety prized for its uniform cylindrical shape, sweet flavour, and crisp texture. It features a smooth, blunt-tipped root that typically grows to 15–18 cm in length and matures quickly in 90-130 days. Unlike other carrots, Nantes types thrive in lighter, sandy soils and perform especially well in South Africa’s spring and autumn seasons.

The roots are bright orange, tender, and coreless, making them ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or light cooking. This variety is well-suited for home gardens and market growers, offering consistent yields in both open ground and containers.

 

Benefits

Culinary Versatility

• Ideal for raw snacking, grating into salads, juicing, and light steaming to retain nutrients.
  
• Maintains excellent texture and sweetness when lightly roasted or added to soups and stews.
  

• Can be stored for several weeks in cool, dark conditions after harvest.

Pollinator & Pest 

• While not a major nectar source, carrot flowers (if allowed to bolt) attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control aphid populations.
  
• Companion planting reduces the risk of carrot root fly, especially when combined with alliums.

Nutritional

• Low in calories and high in dietary fibre, aiding digestion and supporting gut health.
  
• Rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), promoting eye health, immunity, and healthy skin.
  
• Provides vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants which support heart health and blood pressure regulation.
  

Health & Medicinal

• The high antioxidant content supports immune function and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
  
• Raw juice has been traditionally used to support liver function, detoxification, and blood purification.
  

• Acts as a natural diuretic, aiding kidney health and fluid balance.
  

Garden Performance

• Sensitive to compacted soil and high nitrogen, which can lead to forked roots.
  
• Consistent and reliable germination, with strong performance in container gardening and raised beds.
  

• Performs exceptionally well in South African climates, especially in cooler months of spring and autumn.
  

 

How To Use

Carrot Nantes flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Early Spring to Late Summer/Autumn
• Temperature: 10-25°C
• Germinate: 7-21 days
• Depth: 3 mm
• Spacing: 5x30 cm
• Harvest: 90-130 days
• Height: Root 15–18 cm / Tops 25–35 cm
• Flowering Season: Biennial (flowers in second year if left unharvested)
• Exposure: Full sun to light shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Prefers a well drained substrate with amendments or pre-made soil containing all the necessary base additives.
• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination and early root development.
  
• Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertiliser to support root growth.
  
• Apply a light mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  
• Monitor for carrot fly, aphids, and root-knot nematodes. Use crop rotation and netting if needed.
• Pairs well with lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and peas, which offer partial shading during hot spells.
• Intercropping: Pair with onions, garlic chives, or marigolds to repel pests.
• Crop Rotation: Plant after peas or clover. Follow with lettuce or herbs. Avoid repeat root crops in the same bed.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Deep roots improve soil structure between cycles.
• Avoid planting near dill, coriander, or parsnips, as they may inhibit carrot growth or attract similar pests.

 

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za