Carrot Nantes Seeds by Kirchhoffs.
Kirchhoffs Carrot Nantes Seeds grow the classic sweet, crisp Nantes carrot: a long, cylindrical root with a blunt tip, ideal for slicing, snacking, salads, juicing and cooking. Give each plant enough space so the roots can swell straight instead of forking. Botanical name: Daucus carota. Kirchhoffs lists this variety for autumn sowing. Direct-sow only — carrots do not transplant well.
Use deep, stone-free, loose soil (sandy loam is best). Sow about 5–10 mm deep in full sun, keep the surface moist until germination (often 7–21 days), then thin to about 5 cm between plants with 25–30 cm between rows. Harvest when roots are bright orange and about 15–18 cm long, typically 70–130 days after sowing depending on season and soil temperature. Fresh manure and compacted soil cause forked roots.
Best time to plant in South Africa:
Nantes types prefer cool to mild weather. Avoid the hottest midsummer weeks.
- Highveld: August to mid-March (best quality from late summer into autumn and again in spring).
- Middleveld: August to mid-April; in very hot pockets use August–September and February–March.
- Lowveld / Limpopo: February–April and July–August.
- Western Cape: autumn and winter sowings (about April–July) are especially reliable.
Sow every 3 weeks for a continuous pull. Light frost is tolerated better than extreme heat.
What these seeds can be used for:
- Fresh eating and lunchbox snacks
- Salads and slaws
- Juicing
- Roasting, soups and stews
- Baby carrots if harvested early
- Raised beds and deep containers filled with loose mix
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I plant Kirchhoffs Carrot Nantes seeds in South Africa?
Autumn is the packet season, but you can sow through the cooler months. Highveld gardens often sow August to mid-March. Skip peak midsummer heat for sweeter, straighter roots. - How long do Nantes carrots take to harvest?
Germination is usually 7–21 days. Roots are typically ready 70–130 days after sowing. Pull earlier for baby carrots. - Can I start carrot seeds in trays?
No. Sow directly in the bed or a deep container. Transplanting breaks the taproot and causes forked carrots. - How deep and how far apart should I sow Nantes carrots?
Sow 5–10 mm deep. Thin to about 5 cm between plants, with 25–30 cm between rows, so roots can develop fully. - Why are my carrots short, hairy or forked?
Usually stones, hard soil, fresh manure or sowing too thickly. Use loose, stone-free soil, keep moisture even and thin seedlings early.
