Autumn King Carrot Seeds

Also know as Flakee, this heirloom carrot has the distinction of being more cold tolerant than most other varieties, making it one of the best choices for fall plantings, but it can also be grown as a main crop.

The large, wide-shouldered orange carrots grow 2-3 inches wide and 10-14 inches long with a traditional upright shape. One of the largest carrots and last to mature, Autumn King can be left in the ground during winter and harvested as needed.

Resistant to greening and splitting, Autumn King is a good variety for storing. This heavy-yielding, cold-resistant carrot is even sweeter when pulled out in the dead of winter.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The quintessential root crop, homegrown carrots are a beautiful burst of color and fresh flavor. This vegetable is a staple crop for many reasons: multiple harvests can be had per season, an abundant yield is produced in a dense space, carrots are cheap and easy to grow and the taste and nutrition are supreme.

Because it is the root that is desired, carrots should not be transplanted, only sown directly into a bed. Take extra time to ensure the soil is well loosened, as fine as possible, 30 cm or deeper and free of debris. Seeds should be sown directly 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, or 90 days before the first frost. Be faithful and patient, germination can take up to 21 days.

With the handle of a garden tool draw out the tiniest trench, about 1 cm deep. Space rows 45-60 cm apart and deposit seeds, 1 every cm, into the small trough. Just barely cover the trench with the excess soil and firm the seeds into place with gentle compression. Water well with a mist setting if possible. Seeds can easily be dislodged and washed away. A constant moisture level is extremely important throughout the germination process.

Thin to 4-10 cm apart when the greens are 2 cm tall. The thinning process is also crucial, the carrots will not thrive if they are overcrowded and competing for resources.

Once thinned, add mulch around the base of the greens. This will retain moisture and smother weeds. Be vigilant about removing any weeds that do spring up and cover exposed crowns to prevent greening. Carrots will typically be ready to harvest in 60-80 days. They can be pulled selectively at any size or left underground to grow larger.

QUICK FACTS

- The original wild ancestor of the carrot originated in Afghanistan, but it's in central Asia that they were first cultivated for their aromatic seeds and leaves. One of the naturally occurring subspecies of the wild carrot was bred over centuries to reduce bitterness, increase sweetness and minimize the woody core. Around the first century AD, the Romans started cultivating carrots for their roots. This process produced the familiar garden vegetable that we know today. During the 17th century, productive varieties of orange carrots were developed by the Dutch, and it became their best-known colour, but carrots also come in white, yellow, red and purple.

- Some close relatives of the wild carrot are still grown today for their leaves and seeds, such as parsley, cilantro, coriander, fennel, anise, dill and cumin.

- Carrot seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.