Carrots are one of the main crops a lot of gardeners will grow in their garden, but did you know there are 4 main different types of carrots - yes types not varieties. Knowing about these 4 can help the gardener decide which specific ones to grow for their garden space or how to better grow them. So read on and learn these 4 types!
Imperator:
Origin: U.S 1928 cross between Nantes and Chantenay
Pros:
- Nice Slender Look
- Highest Sugar Content
- Long Carrots that grow up to 10'' long
- Preferred Carrot for Fresh Eating
Cons:
- Struggle to maintain slender, long roots in compacted, rocky or heavy soil
- Longer date to maturity
Danvers:
Origin: Danvers, Massachusetts
Pros:
- Strong Medium-length carrot with rounded shoulders and pointy ends
- 6-7" in Length
- Tolerate more heavy and shallow soils vs. other carrot types
- Known for deep orange color and rich sweet flavor
- Nearly Coreless
- Good storage quality
Cons:
- Longer date to maturity
Nantes:
Origin: France
Pros:
- A quick growing carrot that matures faster than other carrots
- Stays tender in ground longer than some of other varieties
- Prized carrot for fresh eating and cooking - crisp carrot with great sweetness
- 6"-7" carrots are almost perfectly cylindrical and smooth
- almost coreless
- adaptable
Cons:
- Prefers loose - well draining soil
Chantenay:
Origin: France
Pros:
- Shorter Carrot 4"-5" - bulky at shoulders tapers to a blunt point
- The carrot to plant for heavy soils
- Store extremely well
- Ideal for cooking, freezing as they hold their shape well
- Good solid flavor
Cons:
- Must be harvested as soon as they size up or they can become fibrous and woody
Conclusion: I have grown carrots for quite a few years now and have to say Nantes is my favorite type! I prefer it because of it's quick maturity which is ideal for shorter season gardening! It is also a solid, sturdy carrot that is super sweet and tender - delicious raw, juiced or roasted (which is delicious - Stay tuned for my carrot hummus recipe). I grow my carrots in raised beds so I can amend the soil, which you could also do in-ground but if you have really heavy soil the Danvers is a solid choice! All around it's important to know about these types of carrots so you can find the best for your growing conditions and growing season. All these 4 types have unique qualities and attributes that have been bred into them for a specific purpose or growing requirements. Carrots are such a great crop - the flavor is unreal when you grow them yourself.
Check out these Tested Nantes Carrot Varieties in my seed store to grow in your garden!
Napoli: https://gardengirlseeds.ca/products/carrots-napoli
Yaya: https://gardengirlseeds.ca/products/carrots-yaya