Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | 19th-Century French Classic, Parent of All Nantes-Type Carrots, Coreless 6–7 Inch Roots | 70 Days

Scarlet Nantes (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is one of the most popular carrot varieties ever grown — the standard for high-quality carrots since the 19th century. The original parent of all Nantes-type carrots: bright orange, 6–7 inch cylindrical roots, practically coreless, sweet, and tender. Recommended by Utah State University. 1g / ~700+ seeds per packet. 70 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Days to maturity: 70 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: 6–7 inches long; cylindrical; rounded blunt ends; uniform diameter
• Root color: Bright orange; reddish-orange flesh
• Core: Practically coreless — very small core, exceptionally tender throughout
• Flavor: Sweet, tender, delicate — the benchmark for carrot flavor
• Best for: Bunching, fresh eating, juicing, market
• Recommended by: Utah State University
• Soil: Loamy, loose, well-drained; pH 6.0–7.0; sandy, few rocks
• Temperature: 55–75°F
• Packet size: 1g / ~700+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ½ inch
• Spacing: Thin to 2–4 inches; rows 12–14 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, organic, annual
• Pests: Watch for carrot rust fly

The Parent of All Nantes-Type Carrots

Scarlet Nantes defined an entire category. The “Nantes type” — cylindrical, blunt-ended, nearly coreless, sweet-fleshed orange carrots — is now the dominant style in commercial and home garden production worldwide. Every Nantes-type carrot traces its lineage back to Scarlet Nantes. Growing the original open-pollinated heirloom means growing the source variety — the carrot that set the standard before commercial breeding optimized for uniformity and shelf life.

What the Old Catalogs Said

“The roots are bright orange, 5 to 6 inches long and very uniform. Very small core, exceptionally tender and sweet. Very desirable for market, especially for bunching.”
— Henry Fields Seed Company, 1927

“Early, Delicate Flavor, Coreless. Roots 6 to 8 ins. long, bright orange, cylindrical, blunt ended. Flesh reddish orange, crisp, tender and of very delicate flavor.”
— MacFayden Seed Company, 1937

Nearly 100 years later, the description is unchanged.

The Bunching Carrot

Uniform cylindrical roots with consistent diameter create perfect, even bunches for farmers markets and farm stands. Small tops allow close planting and tidy bunches. Succession sow every 2 weeks for a continuous supply.

In the Kitchen

• Fresh eating & snacking: Sweet, crisp, and tender straight from the garden — the benchmark for raw carrot flavor
• Bunching for market: Uniform roots bunch perfectly; small tops keep bunches tidy
• Juicing: Rich, flavorful juice from sweet reddish-orange flesh
• Roasting: Halve lengthwise and roast at 400°F; natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully
• Soups & stews: Cuts into uniform coins or batons; holds shape through cooking

Growing Notes

Direct sow 2–3 weeks before final spring frost and every 2 weeks for successive harvests. Sow ½ inch deep in loamy, loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0) in full sun. Thin to 2–4 inches as true leaves establish. Loosen soil to at least 10–12 inches. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Keep soil consistently moist. Watch for carrot rust fly. Harvest at 70 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Scarlet Nantes different from other Nantes-type carrots?

Scarlet Nantes is the original open-pollinated heirloom parent from which all Nantes-type hybrids were developed. Modern hybrids were selected for uniformity and shelf life; Scarlet Nantes was selected for flavor and tenderness.

Is this an organic variety?

Yes — open-pollinated, grown organically, non-GMO, and suitable for certified organic production.

Why are my Scarlet Nantes roots forked or short?

Forking is almost always caused by stones, clods, or compacted soil. Loosen soil to at least 10–12 inches and remove all rocks. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.