Carrot Variety “Nantes 5” – classic carrot seeds.

🥕 Carrot Variety “Nantes 5” – classic carrot seeds.

The carrot variety “Nantes 5” is a classic Nantes-type carrot seed choice, suitable for the garden and for growing from seeds in pots and open beds. It forms uniform, cylindrical roots with a small core and sweet flavor, making this variety especially popular among both beginners and experienced gardeners.

🌱 Variety Characteristics
“Nantes 5” is a popular table carrot variety with a smooth orange skin and juicy, sweet flesh. This carrot variety is particularly suitable for garden cultivation, as the seeds germinate evenly when the soil is loose and sufficiently moist. It is used for fresh consumption, cooking, and storage.

📜 Variety History
Nantes-type carrots originated in western France, in Nantes, where gardeners in the 18th–19th centuries bred carrots with ideally cylindrical roots. In the 20th century, European seed growers developed several Nantes carrot lines, and “Nantes 5” became one of the most outstanding. It spread throughout Europe and remains a reliable choice for sowing and growing in every garden.

🌍 Sowing and Growing Nantes 5 Carrot Seeds in Europe

❄️ Northern Europe (Latvia, the Baltics, Scandinavia, etc.)
• Sowing for the first harvest: late April – mid-May.
• Sowing for the autumn harvest: late June – early July.
• Seeds must be sown directly in their final location — carrots do not tolerate transplanting.
• Agril/fleece cover helps carrot seeds germinate faster.
• Regular watering is necessary, especially during germination, to form healthy carrot roots.
• After germination, carrots require thinning, leaving 4–5 cm spacing.

☀️ Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece)
• Spring sowing: February–March.
• Autumn sowing: September–October.
• Seeds germinate poorly in June due to intense heat.
• Carrots must be watered in the morning or evening, especially during the hot summer period.
• Soil should be mulched to prevent seeds from drying out.
• Partial shade during the hottest days protects small seedlings from burning.

🌾 Soil Requirements for Growing from Seeds
Carrots require loose, aerated, and well-drained soil. Carrot seeds germinate poorly in dense, clay-heavy soil. The ideal mix for gardens and pots:
• 50% substrate,
• 30% sand,
• 20% compost.
Soil must be free of stones to ensure straight root growth.

🌱 Sowing
• Seed sowing depth: 0.5–1 cm.
• Row spacing between furrows: 20–25 cm.
• Thinning after carrot seed germination: 4–5 cm.
• Carrots must be sown directly in their final location, as transplanting deforms roots and produces crooked harvests.
• Carrot seeds germinate within 10–20 days if the soil remains evenly moist.

💧 Garden Care
• Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Gentle carrot weeding without damaging the roots.
• Mulching with grass or straw helps maintain soil moisture.
• Minimal fertilisation — excessive nitrogen causes excessive leaf growth; metaphorically speaking, all the carrot’s “strength” then goes into the leaves instead of the roots.

⏳ Harvesting
“Nantes 5” carrots mature and ripen 60–90 days after sowing. Carrots can be harvested when the orange “shoulder” is visible and the leaves begin to yellow; at that moment the carrot easily lifts from the soil. Harvesting on a dry day is recommended, as it reduces root disease risks during storage in a cellar.

🌿 Carrot Compatibility in the Garden

🤝 Good neighbours for sowing:
• Onions, garlic, leeks
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce, radishes
• Dill, coriander
• Peas and beans

🚫 Bad neighbours:
• Potatoes
• Beets
• Fennel
• Celery
• Parsnips

🪴 Growing Carrots in Pots, on Terraces and Balconies
The “Nantes 5” carrot variety can also be grown successfully in pots.
• Pot depth: 25–30 cm (ideally 35–40 cm).
• Pot width: 20–40 cm.
• Soil must be light and loose, suitable for carrot seeds and seedling development.
• Water regularly, as potting soil dries quickly.
• Requires 6+ hours of sunlight; in hot weather, partial shade is necessary.

✔️ Summary
The “Nantes 5” carrot variety is suitable for both Northern and Southern European gardens. It is easy to care for, sweet, and high quality — an excellent variety for growing from seeds in every garden or in pots.

Seeds per package: 10 pcs.
Author: Heart Garden Studio