Daucus carota 'Goldnugget' F1

The 'Goldnugget' F1 Carrot is a Vilmorin selection of the Nantes type, considered the reference for yellow carrots. It is a rather early variety, forming cylindrical and well-rounded roots, with a smooth skin of intense yellow colour, measuring 18-20cm (7-8in) in length. They are of excellent taste quality, with a sweet, juicy, and crunchy flavour. The plant, vigorous, forms a beautiful tuft of leaves firmly attached to the root. This variety also offers good resistance to diseases, particularly Alternaria. It can be sown from February to April, for a harvest 3.5 to 4 months later. It can also be sown until July-August to extend the harvest. Carrots are appreciated for their sweet and sugary flavour, as well as their multiple uses: grated, in soups, or as an accompaniment to meat and fish.

The Carrot is a biennial herbaceous plant, grown as an annual. It belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae). This vegetable with very finely cut leaves is grown for its fleshy roots. Depending on the varieties, they can be long, medium-long, or sometimes round. Carrots are generally orange in colour, but can also be yellow, white, or purple. They are rich in carotene and can be consumed raw or cooked. Their leaves are also delicious in soups.

In the vegetable garden, sow it in a sunny or semi-shaded area. Carrots are not demanding on the nature of the soil. However, the most beautiful roots will be harvested in a rich, light soil with a sandy tendency. It is advisable to prepare the soil by deep digging (30cm (12in)) in autumn, during which 2 to 3kg of well-decomposed manure or compost will be buried. All stones should be removed during this operation.

Harvest: Depending on the variety, carrots can be harvested from 3 to 6 months after sowing. During the season, harvest the carrots as needed. To extract the roots from the soil, use a fork-spade, taking care not to damage the root. Injuries to the roots can cause the carrot to rot during storage. Let the roots dry on the ground and in the sun for half a day.

Storage: In regions with mild winters, carrots can be stored in the ground, in the place of cultivation, but this immobilizes a growing space in the vegetable garden. In this case, protect the roots from frost with a good layer of dead leaves. The simplest method is indoor storage. After harvesting, cut the foliage flush with the collar. In a frost-free and well-ventilated place, place the roots next to each other on a bed of sand. Cover them with a layer of 2cm (1in) of sand and place the next row.

The gardener's tip: Carrot germination is often a bit slow and weeds are faster than it... two tips to limit weed growth:

- Practice false sowing: about 2 to 3 weeks before sowing, prepare the soil finely. Wait for the weed seeds present in the soil to start germinating. As soon as they appear, rake the surface in a crisscross manner to eliminate these seedlings. You can then start sowing.

- Sow radishes and carrots on the same row and at the same time. Radishes germinate quickly and will mark the row without waiting, and once harvested, the radishes will make room for the carrots to grow.