Carrot Seeds - Unwins - 1500 Seeds
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This guide is for gardeners with challenging soil conditions, such as heavy, stony, or shallow ground. The Unwins Early Scarlet Horn carrot seeds offer a key benefit of producing a successful early crop where longer varieties fail. A caveat is that this variety is specifically bred for these conditions and may not be the optimal choice for deep, loamy soils. These seeds provide a reliable way to grow short, stump-rooted carrots, ideal for maximizing yield in difficult plots.
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| Model Part Number | 30310072 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unwins |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What makes Early Scarlet Horn carrots different from other varieties?
Early Scarlet Horn carrots are specifically bred to have a short, stump root. This makes them ideal for growing in heavy, stony, or shallow soils where longer rooted varieties would struggle to develop properly.
When is the best time to sow these carrot seeds?
You can sow these seeds from early spring (March) through to late spring (May), depending on your local climate. For very early crops, sow as soon as the soil is workable.
How far apart should I thin the carrot seedlings?
After germination, thin the seedlings to stand about 5-7.5cm (2-3 inches) apart. This gives each root enough space to grow to its full, albeit short, potential.
Can I grow these carrots in a deep, loamy soil?
Yes, you can grow them in deeper soils, but their unique short-root characteristic is most beneficial and evident in challenging soil conditions. You might find other varieties perform better in ideal deep soil.
How soon can I expect to harvest these carrots?
These are an early cropping variety, meaning you can typically start harvesting them from early summer onwards, once the roots have reached a usable size.
What are the main advantages of using these seeds?
The main advantage is their ability to produce a successful crop in difficult soil types where other carrots would fail, alongside providing an early harvest.
Troubleshooting
Seeds fail to germinate
Ensure seeds were sown at the correct depth and the soil is kept consistently moist. Check that the seeds are within their viable planting period.
Carrot roots are small or misshapen
Thin seedlings adequately to give roots space to grow. Ensure consistent watering. If soil is extremely compacted, further loosening or amending the top layer may help.
Pest infestation (e.g., carrot fly)
Use row covers to protect young plants. Rotate crop placement annually. Some companion planting with onions or rosemary may deter pests.
Roots are splitting
Inconsistent watering is the most common cause. Ensure the soil moisture remains even, especially as roots mature.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for heavy, stony, or shallow soils.
- Produces very early crops.
- Short root shape prevents issues in compact soil.
- Reliable germination for consistent results.
- Good yield potential in challenging conditions.
Cons
- Root shape is not ideal for deep, loose soils.
- May not be the most visually conventional carrot.
- Requires careful soil preparation even in suitable conditions.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the soil from early spring (March) to late spring (May), depending on your climate. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a spade's depth. Rake the surface to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly in drills 1.5cm (1/2in) deep, with rows spaced 30cm (12in) apart. For very stony soil, consider creating a finer seedbed on the surface by adding a layer of compost.
Thinning: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) apart. This is crucial for allowing the roots to develop adequately.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to ensure good root development and prevent cracking.
Harvesting: Begin harvesting from early summer onwards as soon as roots reach a usable size. Pull carrots gently to avoid damaging them, especially in firm soil.
Compatibility: These seeds are compatible with most standard garden soil amendments. While they perform best in heavy, stony, or shallow soils, they can still be grown in deeper, loamier soils, though their unique short-root characteristic might be less of a distinct advantage.