Over the years, I have experimented with growing many different types of carrots on my allotment but now tend to stick with Chantenay Carrots now as my wife likes the taste of them.
Here are some of the different types of carrots that can be grown in an allotment in the UK, along with tips on how to grow them:
Nantes Carrots: These are a classic type of carrot that is cylindrical in shape and are around 6 inches in length. They have a sweet and crisp taste and are ideal for eating raw or cooked. To grow Nantes carrots, ensure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, and thin them to 3 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
Chantenay Carrots: These carrots are shorter and thicker than Nantes carrots, and have a slightly sweeter taste. They are ideal for growing in heavier soils and are often used for juicing. To grow Chantenay carrots, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, and thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
Imperator Carrots: These are long and thin carrots that can grow up to 12 inches in length. They have a sweet taste and are ideal for cooking or adding to salads. To grow Imperator carrots, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart, and thin the seedlings to 4 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
Baby Carrots: As the name suggests, these are small, thin and delicate carrots ideal for growing in containers or small plots. They are usually ready to harvest within 60-70 days. To grow baby carrots, ensure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, and thin them to 1 inch apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
Purple Carrots: These carrots are a unique variety with purple skin and bright orange flesh. They have a slightly sweeter taste than traditional carrots and are ideal for adding colour to salads or roasted vegetables. To grow purple carrots, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, and thin them to 3 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
White Carrots: These carrots have a white skin and a yellow flesh. They are slightly sweeter and less earthy than traditional orange carrots. They are ideal for adding a unique touch to salads or soups. To grow white carrots, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart, and thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart when they are about 2 inches tall.
Black Carrots: These carrots have a black skin and purple flesh. They are sweeter than traditional orange carrots and are ideal for adding colour to salads or roasted vegetables. Black carrots grow well using raised beds as below.
Brian Sheridan has an allotment in Edgbaston and is a competitive grower. Brian is also a keen photographer and loves cooking. Brian and his wife Mary will also be running a stall at Edgebaston artisan market this year, selling products made from the allotment, including his award-winning relish!