Carrot Plant Information and Variety Selection

Carrot (Daucus carota) is a versatile and widely grown root crop. Carrots are part of the Apiaceae family and a grower can find on the market numerous types and cultivars suited to different soil and climate conditions. Carrots thrive in deep, loose, well-drained soil with cool to moderate temperatures, which encourages proper taproot formation and quality. Carrots come in a wide range of shapes and colors, from the traditional orange to purple, white, yellow, and red varieties, offering diverse options for farmers and gardeners alike.

Climatic Requirements

Carrots thrive best in cool weather, with optimal temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (60-70°F). Ideal growing conditions include daytime highs of around 24°C (75°F) and nighttime lows of 13°C (55°F). While they can tolerate temperatures outside this range, extremes can negatively impact root color, texture, flavor, and shape. Lower temperatures may lead to slow growth, resulting in longer, more slender, and lighter-colored roots. Young carrot seedlings, particularly those with roots less than one inch in diameter, are susceptible to cold injury, making them vulnerable during hard freezes, although they can tolerate light frosts.

Conversely, extended periods of hot weather can be detrimental to carrot crops. High temperatures can inhibit growth, produce short and blunt roots, and lead to the development of strong terpene flavors, giving the roots a bitter taste. Additionally, increased disease pressure is observed as temperatures rise in late spring and summer.

Plant Characteristics

Carrot plants begin with a rosette of finely divided, compound leaves. Germination typically occurs within 10-15 days from sowing, with subsequent alternate leaves appearing and forming around the taproot. The root system consists of a deep orange, nutrient-dense phloem (the cortex) and a paler, sometimes woody xylem (the core). High-quality carrots have a larger proportion of cortex relative to the core, which provides better flavor and texture. Carrot taproots vary in length, from short stubby types to long slender varieties, with shapes ranging from globular to conical or cylindrical. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, these roots can grow between 2-20 inches (5-50 cm) long.

Carrots are erect biennial plants with heights of 11 – 39 inches (28 to 100 cm), with its first year focused on leaf and root development, storing sugars in the taproot, which is the edible part. If the carrot plant is left in the ground during the second year, it will produce a highly branched inflorescence known as a compound umbel. This umbel holds the small white flowers that eventually yield seeds. These flowers attract pollinators like bees. Carrot seeds, which are rich in essential oils, are produced during this second growth phase. However, carrots are usually cultivated as an annual plant, usually planted from mid-spring to early summer.

Carrot Varieties and Cultivar Types

Carrot varieties can be grouped into four main categories based on root shape:

Imperator: These are the most commonly cultivated commercial carrots, particularly in the U.S. Imperator carrots are long and slender, reaching lengths of 7-12 inches (18-30 cm). They have a tapered shape and high sugar content, making them excellent for fresh eating. The phloem is deep orange, and while the xylem is lighter, it can become woody if the carrots are left too long in the ground. Some well-known varieties include ‘Imperator 58’ and ‘Sugarsnax Hybrid.’ Early harvested Imperator carrots are usually commercialized as “baby carrots”.
Danvers: Known for their medium length (6-7 inches or 15-17cm), Danvers carrots are conical with a thick shoulder and taper to a point. They perform well in heavier, shallower soils than Imperator types and are widely recognized for their rich, deep orange color and excellent flavor. ‘Danvers Half Long’ and ‘Danvers 126’ are popular varieties, noted for their storage qualities and robust top growth.
Nantes: These carrots are nearly cylindrical, smooth, and blunt-tipped. They are sweet and have little core, which makes them highly suitable for juicing and fresh eating. Nantes varieties typically grow to 6-7 inches (15-17cm) and are favored for their uniformity in both size and shape. ‘Scarlet Nantes’ and the miniature ‘Little Finger’ are classic choices for gardeners, especially those with loose, well-drained soil.
Chantenay: Short and stocky, Chantenay carrots thrive in heavier soils and can be harvested early to avoid fibrous texture. These roots are broad at the shoulder and taper to a blunt end, measuring 4.5-5.5 inches (11-14 cm). Though less commonly used for fresh eating, they are excellent for processing and storage. Varieties like ‘Red Cored Chantenay’ are highly regarded for their consistent yields and flavor, while ‘Shin Kuroda,’ an improved Japanese variety, offers better heat tolerance and fresh eating quality.

Specialty Carrots and Novelty Colors

Carrots have diversified far beyond the typical orange variety. Carrots domesticated in Persia were often purple or yellow and branched. These ancient varieties remain available today, offering a different aesthetic and nutritional profile compared to Western varieties bred for their orange color.

Purple Carrots: Rich in anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant, purple carrots like ‘Cosmic Purple’ are popular for their vibrant color and slightly spicy taste.
Yellow Carrots: ‘Solar Yellow’ carrots offer a sharp, intense flavor and are excellent for juicing. Their bright color adds visual appeal to salads and stir-fries.
White Carrots: ‘Lunar White’ carrots are milder and sweeter than orange varieties, making them perfect for fresh eating. Their nearly coreless roots are also ideal for cooking.
Rainbow Carrots: A mix of colors, such as purple, yellow, white, and orange, offers visual appeal and nutritional diversity. These are perfect for creative culinary presentations, from fresh salads to roasted dishes.

Carrot Variety Selection Criteria

When selecting a carrot variety, several factors must be considered, particularly for commercial production. Yield, top growth, core diameter, length, uniformity, color, and flavor all play a role in determining the suitability of a variety. Top growth is essential for mechanical harvesting, as the tops are used to pull the roots from the soil.

Color and sugar content influence marketability, as consumers often prefer vibrant orange carrots with small cores. However, characteristics such as yield and harvest efficiency are the most important ones for the growers. Disease resistance is not a major concern for most carrot varieties, but it is a developing area as new cultivars are bred for improved resistance.

In conclusion, selecting the right carrot variety depends on the intended use, growing conditions, and market demands. Whether growing for fresh consumption, processing, or novelty markets, understanding the different types of carrots and their specific requirements can greatly improve both the yield and quality of the harvest.

References

Learn more about carrot cultivation

Nutritional value & Health Benefits of Carrots
Growing Carrot in Your Backyard
Carrot Soil Requirements, Soil Preparation and Planting
Carrot Water Requirements and Irrigation Systems
Carrot Nutrient Needs & Fertilizer Requirements
Carrot Common Pests, Diseases and their Management
Carrot Common Weeds and Weed Management
Carrot Yield, Harvest and Storage

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