Tendersweet Carrot Seeds

Sow these carrot seeds directly in the garden 2–3 weeks before your last spring frost, then keep planting every 2 weeks if you want a longer harvest window. Carrots do not like transplanting, so don’t even try to start them indoors. Cover heirloom Carrot seeds lightly, about 1/2 inch deep, and keep the top layer of soil evenly moist until sprouts show, which usually takes 14–21 days in soil around 55–75°F. 

Tendersweet Carrots require full sun- at least 6-8 hours per day. It prefers sandy and well-drained soil with compost, and soil pH around 6.0–7.0. In heavy soil roots turn to fork-sided, with twists, or completely stop growing deep. Use steady moisture, especially while seeds are coming up, but do not keep the bed overwatered. A light mulch helps to cool the soil and maintain moisture inside.

Once seedlings are up, thin them to one plant every 2–4 inches so each root has room to size up properly. Keep rows clean and do not push heavy nitrogen fertilizer, as it only leads to upper leaves growing. Heirloom carrot seeds usually mature in about 70–75 days, though you can pull smaller roots earlier. Watch the crown—when the top of the root starts showing at the soil, it is usually close to harvest time. Lift from loose soil and store the crop cool after harvest if you want to keep that sweet crunch for long.