Royal Chantenay, Danvers Half Long & Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds – Sweet, Heirloom – Easy to Grow!
### **Royal Chantenay, Danvers Half Long & Scarlet Nantes Carrot Mix**
**Latin Name:** *Daucus carota subsp. sativus*
#### **Description**
This trio of classic heirloom carrots offers a range of shapes, flavors, and growing benefits, making them ideal for home gardeners and market growers alike.
- **Royal Chantenay:** A stout, conical carrot with a deep orange color. It grows **4–5 inches (10–13 cm)** long and **2 inches (5 cm) wide**, with a short, strong top. This variety is known for its **excellent flavor and storage capabilities**.
- **Danvers Half Long:** A medium-sized, tapered carrot, reaching **6–7 inches (15–18 cm)** in length. It features **fine-grained, richly flavored orange flesh** and strong, upright **dark green tops**, making it easy to harvest.
- **Scarlet Nantes:** A **cylindrical**, smooth-skinned carrot growing **6–7 inches (15–18 cm)** long. It has **sweet, crisp, and nearly coreless flesh**, perfect for fresh eating or juicing.
All three varieties are **cool-season biennials grown as annuals**, with a **moderate growth rate**, typically maturing in **65–75 days**. They have **delicate, fern-like green foliage** and a **compact to medium growth habit**, making them well-suited for **raised beds, containers, and garden plots**.
#### **Origin & Interesting Facts**
Carrots are believed to have originated in **Persia (modern-day Iran and Afghanistan)**, where wild ancestors were first cultivated for their aromatic leaves and seeds rather than their roots.
- **Chantenay types** were developed in **France**, prized for their ability to grow in **heavy or shallow soils**.
- **Danvers Half Long** was bred in **Danvers, Massachusetts, USA**, in the 19th century for **excellent yield and adaptability**.
- **Scarlet Nantes** hails from **Nantes, France**, and is known for its **exceptionally sweet, tender roots** with minimal core development.
Carrots are **rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants**, making them a nutritious and flavorful addition to any diet.
#### **How to Grow from Seed**
1. **Timing:** Direct sow outdoors **2–4 weeks before the last frost** in spring, or in **late summer to fall** for a fall harvest.
2. **Soil Prep:** Loose, well-draining soil with **pH 6.0–6.8**; avoid rocky or compacted soils.
3. **Sowing Depth & Spacing:** Plant seeds **¼ inch (6 mm) deep** and **1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) apart** in rows **12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart**.
4. **Germination:** Carrots are slow to sprout, taking **10–21 days**. Keep soil **consistently moist** for even germination.
5. **Thinning:** Once seedlings are **2 inches (5 cm) tall**, thin them to **1–2 inches apart** to prevent overcrowding.
#### **Garden Care**
- **Watering:** Keep soil evenly **moist but not waterlogged**, especially during germination. Avoid heavy watering that can lead to **cracking**.
- **Fertilizing:** Use a **low-nitrogen fertilizer** to encourage root development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which leads to **leafy tops instead of roots**.
- **Weeding:** Hand-weed carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.
- **Harvesting:** Begin harvesting at **maturity (65–75 days)** or when roots reach the desired size. Carrots can be **left in the ground** for extended storage in cooler weather.