Carrot Tendersweet, Sow Easy - McKenzie Seeds

Daucus carota subsp. Sativus

• All-natural, coated seeds for easy sowing
  
• Sweet flavour with crisp texture
• 75 days to harvest
• 10-14 days to germination 

Product Weight: Approximately 250 seeds

Heirloom variety. One of the sweetest carrots. Produces long, orange-red, nearly coreless roots that can grow to 22-25cm (9-10") long and 5cm (2") wide at the shoulder. The long roots taper to a blunt end. Sweet flavour with a super crisp texture.

Planting Instructions: Sow in early spring in well-cultivated soil. Uniform moisture is critical. Seedlings should be thinned to approximately 5 cm (2”) apart for optimal root formation. Sowings of carrot seed can be repeated every 2 weeks until mid-summer.

Planting Depth: 6 mm (1/4")

Planting Spacing: 5 cm (2")

Row Spacing: 30 cm (12")

Carrot seeds are small and planting a specific distance apart can be difficult. The use of a small seed seeder can help or just lightly scatter the seed by hand. Generally, it is better to seed heavier as the germinating seedlings can help push each other through the ground. Seedlings should be thinned to approximately 5 cm (2″) apart for optimal root formation.

Germination: Seeds germinate in approximately 10-14 days. The biggest reason for poor germination is the lack of moisture. Moisture levels must be consistent from the time of planting and are essential for good root formation, texture and flavour. Be sure to continue watering during dry periods. Poor germination can also occur when soil temperatures become too hot. Soil temperatures 27°C (80°F) and greater can stop seeds from germinating.

Suggestions: After planting, keep your carrot patch nice and moist to ensure better germination and to help young carrot plants emerge as sprouts will not push through dry crusted soil. Covering rows with finely sifted compost or potting soil is a great solution as they do not crust over like garden soil which can be very helpful in germinating the seed.

Carrots can be thinned once they reach approximately 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) in height making sure to leave about 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) between plants. Water the carrots before thinning to make them easier to remove. They can then be thinned again in another 3-4 weeks to leave approximately 4-8 cm between plants. Thinned-out carrots at this “baby” stage can be enjoyed by lightly cooking and serving with butter, salt & pepper.

Carrots can sometimes push out of the ground when growing so keep a watch on them and hill up soil over exposed roots to prevent green tops.

Harvesting and Storage

• Carrots can be dug up after the first hard frost. They can be harvested at any size throughout the season but the flavour is best once they have turned bright orange.
• Cut the green tops off approximately 1 cm (1/2”) above the crowns and store carrots in a cool, dark location or refrigerate to keep fresh.
• It is a good idea to inspect stored carrots regularly to monitor any decay.