What Are the Different Types of Carrots?

There are four different categories of carrots – learn them here.

By: Danielle Ernest

Related To:

Round Carrots

DK - The Complete Gardener's Guide , 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Varieties of carrots are divided into categories based on their shape. There are four different carrot types that will be discussed in this article, they include Danvers, Nantes, Imperator, Chantenay and Ball (or Mini):

Danvers – When most people think of a carrot this is the type that they visual. They are long, skinny, taper to a point and typically are orange in color, although they are available in more shades. The foliage and taproot are longer than Chantenay. They are more tolerant to poor soil. The name comes from where they were developed in Danvers, Massachusetts. Preferred varieties include: ‘Yellowstone’ or

Nantes – They were first described as almost perfectly cylindrical being both round at the tip and top, having sparse foliage and with near red flesh that was sweet flavor and nice crunch. Their name is taken from the Atlantic coast of France where the area is ideal for growing this type of carrot. This category can also be referred to as Scarlet Nantes, Early Coreless or Nante Superior. There is estimated to be over 40 different varieties of carrots that fall into this category. A very quick growing carrot and matures faster. Preferred varieties include: ‘Napoli’, ‘Touchon’, ‘Napa’ or ‘White Satin’

Imperator – This category is what most commercial growers produce and commonly found in grocery stores throughout the country. They are very similar looking to Danvers, but thicker in width and often a higher sugar content than the other categories. The foliage is very fast growing compared. The roots of this grouping is longer than all others listed above. Preferred varieties include: ‘Japanese Imperial Long’, ‘Cosmic Red’ or ‘Sugarsnax 54’

Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Parsnips

See All Photos

Carrot ‘Parmex’

Dumpy, spherical roots make this one of the best carrots for sowing into patio pots or shallow soil. Despite their shape, they have a fine sweet flavor. The earliest crops can be sown under glass or protected with cloches.

Sow: Early to late spring
Harvest: Late spring to early fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Carrot 'Infinity’ F1

This late maincrop carrot has an elegant, slender root that is delicious raw or cooked. The sweet carrots are deep orange right to their core and keep well in the soil into fall or can be lifted and stored successfully.

Sow: Early spring to midsummer
Harvest: Late summer to late fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Carrot ‘Purple Haze’ F1

As its name suggests, this variety has unconventional dark purple roots, which reveal contrasting orange cores when they are sliced. Flavor is not sacrificed and is particularly good when raw.

Sow: Early spring to early summer
Harvest: Early summer to late fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Photo By: DK - Vegetable Gardening

Carrot 'Bangor’ F1

Long, stocky roots are produced in large quantities, especially in moist soil, by this excellent maincrop variety. Crops can be harvested from late summer and throughout fall, and store well once lifted.

Sow: Mid-spring to early summer
Harvest: Midsummer to late fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Carrot ‘Flyaway’ F1

Specially bred to be less prone to attack by carrot flies, this maincrop carrot produces good crops where the pest would render others inedible. The stout, cylindrical roots are smooth-skinned and sugary.

Sow: Early spring to midsummer
Harvest: Late spring to mid-fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Carrot ‘Carson’ F1

Fall and winter bring good cropsof this medium-sized, tapering variety. The rich orange color, combined with the delicious crunchy texture and sweetness, makes them irresistible when eaten raw.

Sow: Mid-spring to midsummer
Harvest: Late summer to early winter
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Beet ‘Boltardy’

A reliable variety yielding traditional deep red globe-shaped roots with a fine sweet flavor. Perfect for sowing under cloches in early spring because of its excellent resistance to bolting.

Sow: Early spring to midsummer
Harvest: Early summer to mid-fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Beet ‘Pablo’ F1

One of the best varieties for growing in patio containers and perfect to harvest as baby beets. The smooth, deep red, spherical roots taste exceptionally sweet; they also stand well in the soil without bolting or becoming woody.

Sow: Mid-spring to early summer
Harvest: Midsummer to mid-fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Beet ‘Chioggia Pink’

A beautiful curiosity; the rich red skin of this spherical root conceals flesh marked with concentric rings of blush pink and white. Its sweet, mild flavor is delightful raw or cooked.

Sow: Mid-spring to midsummer
Harvest: Early summer to mid-fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Beet ‘Forono’

Elongated, burgundy-colored roots make this variety ideal for slicing. Tender young roots have a particularly intense flavor, so sow successionally for a continuous supply. Prone to bolting if sown too early.

Sow: Mid-spring to early summer
Harvest: Midsummer to late fall
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Parsnip ‘Gladiator’ F1

A popular hybrid parsnip that matures quickly, producing consistently reliable, early-maturing crops of white-skinned roots. ‘Gladiator’ also benefits from good canker resistance.

Sow: Late winter to mid-spring
Harvest: Mid-fall to early spring
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Parsnip ‘Tender and True’

In deep soil, this variety forms exceptionally long roots, which are often considered to have one of the finest parsnip flavors. It is also resistant to canker and is a firm favorite with exhibition growers.

Sow: Late winter to mid-spring
Harvest: Late fall to early spring
Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
Sun or Shade: Full sun

Chantenay – Before Nantes were developed this category was the best to plant in heavy or rocky soil due to its size. Chantenay typically only reach 6 to 7 inches long making them very short and broad. These are a great choice for those gardening in containers or soil described above. However, it is important to harvest at the length mentioned because they do become woody and not tasty if harvested too late in the season. Very vigorous top growth and store extremely well. Preferred varieties include: ‘Red-Cored Chantenay’, ‘Hercules’ or ‘Carson Hybrid’.

Ball or Mini – This grouping includes carrot varieties that are shaped like radishes or miniature compared to Chantenay. Again they work extremely well for those gardening in containers due to their short taproot and required growing area. The miniature forms that only reach about 3 to 4 inches long are typically served whole with the tops attached. Radish-shaped varieties are typically cross-sectioned to see the beautiful circular pattern inside. Preferred varieties include: ‘Babette’, ‘Romeo’ or ‘Paris Market’.

All About Carrots

Keep Reading

Don't Miss: