Bolero Carrots are a Nantes-type variety with uniform, thick roots that grow 7-8 inches long. Known for their excellent storage quality, these carrots are ideal for fall and winter harvests, offering sweet and crisp flavor.
Carrot Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in mid to late summer, about 10–12 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil. Carrots can tolerate partial shade but grow best with full sun.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches, removing rocks, roots, and other debris to allow straight root development. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility, but avoid fresh manure, which can cause forked roots.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows.
- Space seeds 1–2 inches apart and lightly cover with fine soil.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for adequate airflow and ease of access.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall. Use the thinned carrots as microgreens or compost them.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 10–14 days. Once established, water deeply and consistently to encourage healthy root development.
General Care Tips for Carrots
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for optimal root growth, though carrots can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root cracking. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Carrots are light feeders. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of roots.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb carrot roots when weeding.
- Harvesting: Harvest carrots when they reach their desired size, typically 60–75 days after planting, depending on the variety. Loosen the soil around the roots with a fork before gently pulling them to avoid breakage.
- Succession Planting: Sow carrot seeds every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Storage: Store harvested carrots in a cool, humid environment, such as a refrigerator or root cellar. Remove the tops before storage to prevent moisture loss.
