Nantes Carrot Planting Guide

Cylindrical sweet carrot with blunt tips, good for heavier soils and fresh eating

Flavor notes: Sweet, crisp, and nearly coreless.

Variety notes: Blunt, sweet carrot that performs well in heavier soil.

Best Time and Place to Plant Carrot

In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

Plant Nantes Carrot in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.

Planting Windows by Zone

ZoneSpringFall
Zone 1May 1 to June 15August 1 to August 30
Zone 2April 20 to June 10August 10 to September 15
Zone 3April 10 to May 30August 15 to September 30
Zone 4April 1 to May 20August 20 to October 1
Zone 5March 20 to May 15August 25 to October 10
Zone 6March 10 to May 10September 1 to October 20
Zone 7March 1 to May 1September 10 to November 1
Zone 8February 15 to April 20September 20 to November 15
Zone 9February 1 to April 10October 1 to December 1
Zone 10January 15 to March 30October 15 to December 15
Zone 11Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 12Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 13Year-round to Year-roundVaries

Spacing and Care

  • Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
  • Spacing: 2 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
  • Soil temperature: 45F to 85F
  • Sunlight: 6+ hours
  • Watering: Keep the seedbed evenly moist through germination; water deeply as roots size up
  • Days to harvest: 65

Fertilization

  • Low-nitrogen 5-10-10 synthetic: Work in before planting
  • Compost organic: Use fully finished compost only; avoid fresh manure

Companion Plants

  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Rosemary
  • Sage

Avoid Planting Near

  • Dill
  • Parsnips

Harvest Signs

  • Shoulders are 3/4 to 1 inch wide
  • Roots are bright orange and blunt-ended
  • Pull a test carrot to check sweetness

FAQs

When should I plant Carrot?

Carrot planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

What is the best time of year to plant Carrot?

The best time of year to plant Carrot is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

Where is the best place to plant Carrot?

Plant Nantes Carrot in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.

How far apart should I plant Carrot?

Plant Carrot about 2 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.

What grows well with Carrot?

Carrot is commonly paired with Onions, Leeks, Rosemary, Sage.