The best varieties of carrots

Carrots are the most popular vegetable crop in Russia, along with potatoes and cabbage.Numerous varieties of carrots are so diverse and numerous that it is not easy to choose the most cherished variety intended for planting in a certain climatic zone of Russia. However, having studied in detail the main characteristics and characteristics of this root, you can achieve a good harvest of carrots in any conditions.

In the wild, carrots are found in New Zealand, Australia, Africa, the Mediterranean and America. Speaking of carrots, referring to sowing its species - Daucus sativus. From it originated table and fodder varieties of root vegetables. Carrots (Daucus carota) is a perennial plant of the umbrella family. And it is also a tasty and nutritious root crop. In the first year of life, it forms a fruit - a carrot, the weight of which on average reaches 200 grams; on the second, it blooms and forms seeds. Its homeland is Afghanistan, where it grew wild.

For the first time it began to be cultivated in ancient Greece. The Greeks affectionately called carrots "Bearing love", considering it an indispensable aphrodisiac. Mention of carrots is contained in the picturesque frescoes of Babylon. In ancient Egypt, images of carrots were found indicating that initially this root crop was only purple in color, which indicates the presence of an anthocyanin coloring matter. Carrots acquired their characteristic orange color much later, in the Netherlands, where, by breeding specifically for the Orange royal dynasty, the color of which was orange, the first carrot varieties were bred that became the basis of modern varieties of this vegetable. Today there are types of red, yellow, violet, orange, and also green, black and even white carrots.

In Russia and Europe, it began to grow carrots in the XVI century. At the same time she was divided into the dining and feed varieties. This light-loving unpretentious plant for several centuries spread throughout the world. Carrot crops are not inferior in size to vegetables and root crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes. Many different varieties of carrots have been developed, differing in size, taste, ripening periods and growing areas.

Carrot is a vegetable, although in some countries it is considered a fruit. For example, in Portugal, it is used to make gourmet jam, which is famous throughout the world for its beneficial properties and unusual taste. There is even an annual carrot festival that is held in the city of Holville, California. For several unforgettable February days, the best chefs compete in cooking culinary masterpieces of carrots. This plant is so important in people's lives.

At the root are edible all parts: tops and root. Tops are fed to animals. And also they are used as seasoning for cooking various dishes, decoctions and infusions. This vegetable is stored for a long time. In some regions, it can lie intact until the very spring, preserving the appearance and all the nutritional properties.

The five-meter ridge brings in a year to 6 kilograms of carrots. Fruits form within 16 weeks. Features of a particular species depend on the growing conditions. A carrot consists of a ground part formed by a sheet rosette with buds and a root crop. The shape of the fruit can be different: from cone-shaped to rounded as, for example, in the variety "Parisian Carotel".

In ancient times, carrot tops were used by people for medicinal purposes. Hippocrates recommended its use with honey as a cough and tuberculosis remedy. In folk medicine, she caught on with the saying "from carrots - a lot of blood." Root crop treated for anemia and cardiovascular diseases. For a long time, carrot seeds have been used as a carminative and vitamin remedy.

Carrots contain a large amount of beta-carotene, which was first isolated from it in 1831. It is because of this element carrot got its name - Carota.In humans, beta-carotene is synthesized into vitamin A (retinol). Participating in the processes of tissue regeneration, nutrition and cell respiration, this element has a powerful antioxidant effect. It promotes the removal of free radicals from the body and strengthens the immune system.

Carrot juice helps with urolithiasis. Violet root crops have recently been successfully used to treat oncology. Useful substances isolated from carrots significantly inhibit the destructive effect of carcinogens. Vitamin A has a beneficial effect on vision, reduces the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma, and contributes to the restoration of the retina.

But vitamin A is poorly absorbed in its pure form. To do this, it needs fats, for example, vegetable or butter. Therefore, it is recommended to use carrots, flavored with oil. The best combination is grated carrot with sour cream. Vegetable carrot culture is not only healthy, but also tasty. It is used to cook stews, burgers, all kinds of soups, sauces and seasonings. She is good at preserving and home-made.

It contains a record amount of vitamins K, B, PP, C and E, more of them than any other vegetable. Carrots contain the necessary minerals: iodine, zinc, phosphorus, copper, chromium, as well as sugar in the form of glucose and alkali, necessary for the balance of the human gastrointestinal tract. The carrot has its characteristic smell due to the ethers, for which it is widely used in perfumery and cosmetology. Carrot oil is used to produce alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. She is known for properties that improve the complexion, keep the summer tan, and also have a beneficial effect on the acid-base balance of the oral cavity.

The juice of fresh carrots can heal old ulcers, well disinfects the skin and mucous membranes. They are treated with all sorts of infections, diseases of the genitourinary system, acne, and acne. A compress from a grated carrot cures a sore throat, conjunctivitis, herpetic scabs and thrush. In the spring of avitaminosis, carrots are an indispensable tool for a quick recuperation. And in the winter months, it helps out in case of depression, calms the nervous system.

Therefore, in some countries with a cold climate they prefer to warm themselves with a decoction of dried carrots. Its ability to positively influence the nervous system, strengthening it, has long been used in the treatment of neurological diseases. In ancient times, carrot juice successfully treated various disorders of unclear etymology. Nursing women to improve lactation is recommended to drink carrot juice, half diluted with water. Carrot juice tends to lose its beneficial qualities over time, so it’s best to use it right away. It is not recommended to freeze the juice, since during defrosting the loss of the necessary elements occurs and the product starts to taste bitter. Heat treatment partially destroys beneficial vitamins and substances, in particular, vitamin A, so it is preferable to eat a vegetable in its raw form, adding to salads and desserts.

In the children's menu must be present carrots in the right quantity. Its disadvantage may adversely affect the growth and development of the child. Given the characteristics of baby food, you can add it to the diet in the form of a sweet cream puree. Kids eat root vegetables raw, happy to gnaw sweet carrot flesh. This procedure is also useful because it strengthens children's teeth and gums, helps to dissolve tartar and remove plaque.

However, an excess of carrot juice can only harm. Like all juices, carrot has an effect on the pancreas. Therefore, it is necessary to drink it in a diluted form, while slightly sweetened.With diabetes, excess sugar is not needed, so they recommend boiling carrots before consumption. With an excess of carrot consumption, the palms and face turn yellow. It is recommended to use fresh carrot juice for people with gastritis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Due to the folic acid content, carrot tops are advised to use for pregnant women. Gruel from tops treat sunburn and heat burns. However, smokers should limit their consumption of this healthy vegetable, otherwise they risk lung cancer. Carrots are necessary for men, as it supports healthy prostate gland function, and is also indispensable for the health of the entire reproductive system. White carrot varieties are recommended to be used for gastritis and stomach ulcers. The juice from this root normalizes digestion, in the form of decoction is used as an analgesic.

Purple carrots are beneficial due to the concentration of anthocyanins. Their compounds have bactericidal and adaptogenic properties, replacing the most necessary elements that are not produced by the human body. In nature, anthocyanin is found in the fruits of blueberries, mulberries, prunes, elderberry, currants and blackberries. It contains a purple pigment that colors the fruit in a characteristic color. This natural pigment is used in the treatment of diabetes, influenza, and oncology. Anticyan is indispensable in the treatment of any ophthalmic disorders and pathologies, such as glaucoma and cataracts. Moreover, anthocyanins are used in cosmetology, the food industry as dyes and even in the aerospace industry as a coloring agent for solar cells.

To date, there are hundreds of varieties of carrots, including hybrids that can grow in different climatic conditions: from southern to northern latitudes. Some varieties are suitable for winter crops, others - for spring planting. Some varieties give high yields, while others grow only in specific conditions. All varieties are conditionally divided into early-ripening, mid-ripening and late-ripening species. Early varieties ripen in 80–100 days, middle-ripening are ready for use after 100 days, and late ones - after 125 days. Among early varieties, the Tushon, Laguna, Bangor, and Alenka varieties are in great demand. Mid-season types of carrots are represented by such varieties as "Vitamin", "Altair", "Shantane Royal". Late-ripening carrot varieties - "Yellowstone", "Queen of Autumn", "Olympus", "Vita Long" and others.

Methods of growing this vegetable vary: from open ground to greenhouses and greenhouses. Great importance is attached to the methods of preserving vitamins and nutrients in carrots, thanks to which gardeners are trying to minimize the amount of nitrates and pesticides in soils. To grow this vegetable year-round, you should plant two types of carrots at once: late and early. Then the harvest will be permanent. Before planting, you should decide on the purpose of the vegetable crop: table or fodder varieties. It is clear that feed vegetables are not intended for human consumption, they are supplied to farms and various subsidiary farms. Table grades of carrots are eaten.

The category of tasty should include several varieties of carrots.

• "Parisian Carotel" is the very first variety of orange early ripe carrots. He is familiar to every gardener, which does not reduce his popularity. This variety is valued for its exceptional taste, has short juicy root vegetables, which are very popular with children.
• “Laguna” is an early ripe carrot with excellent taste. It has a cylindrical fruit, bright orange color. All vegetables of this type have a small core of the same length - about 20 centimeters.Seeds are planted in the ground in winter, then there is an opportunity to get an early harvest.
• Amsterdam is an early ripe variety of carrots, suitable for growing indoors. Small roots weighing up to one hundred grams reach 20 centimeters in length. Delicate juicy pulp with good taste characteristics provides this variety of carrots with a good demand in the vegetable market. The root crop is stored not for long, but it does not crack and does not undergo deformation.

• “Shantane” is another delicious carrot variety. This late-ripened carrot of a conical shape is well known to summer residents, as it does not disappear in color, but is concentrated in a root-crop. It is popular for short, weighty fruits that can reach a pound of weight. This variety of carrots can be stored for a very long time, until the next harvest.
• "Totem P1" - this variety is able to grow and bear fruit in almost all regions. It is more suitable for conservation than others. Because of the persistent red color of the core and pulp, this vegetable is used to make famous Korean-style carrots.
• "Queen of Autumn" completes the category of the most delicious varieties of late ripeness. The juice from this carrot is the most delicious. This is truly the queen among all varieties: a beautiful root of a bright orange-red color has a sweet, slightly spicy taste, the size of the root is small - up to 180 grams, the length of this vegetable reaches an average of 20 centimeters. Before planting the "Queen of Autumn" a deep digging of the soil is necessary.
• "Boltex" stands out among mid-season varieties. The root of this variety is cone-shaped, with juicy orange pulp, which contains a large amount of carotene. Carrots can be kept flesh until the first frost.

• Flacca root vegetables are the largest and most massive, reaching 30 centimeters in length. The weight of one spindle-shaped vegetable is 500 grams. Mid-season carrot variety “Flacca” has a long growing season, is stored for a long time, and is able to bear fruit even in heavy open ground.
• Speaking about carrots, it is impossible to ignore the variety "Punisher". This is the very first cultivated carrot variety. Small roots up to 180 grams ripen in about 100 days. This variety of carrots is well proven in the south of Siberia. Root contains more carotene than sugars, which causes its beneficial properties. The variety is resistant to killing and pests.
• Carrot variety "Red Giant" ("Rote Riesen") knowingly got its name. This is the most common late-ripening variety. This “foreigner” has taken root well in the Russian open spaces, despite the long period of ripening: the seeds that were planted in May are fully formed into fruit only in September. It is highly regarded for its high yields. So, from one square meter you can collect up to four kilograms of carrots.

Another variety that deserves attention is white carrots. The white color of the vegetable indicates the absence of an orange pigment carotene. In its composition, it is similar to sugar beet, the same sweet and juicy, smooth, smooth and dense. There are as many vitamins and minerals in it as in orange carrots, but by the content of sugars and starch it considerably exceeds its counterparts. Hence its high nutritional properties.

Because of its bitter taste, the root crop was recently considered feed., has not yet been obtained table grade "White Satin F1", in which the bitterness is not at all. Now a variety of culinary dishes are prepared from white carrots. It is especially popular in France. It is customary to stew, boil and fry with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, mustard, honey and soy sauce. This Uzbek pilaf is cooked only with white carrots.

For novice gardeners and those who first decided to plant carrots in their area, it is recommended to start with such varieties (hybrids) like Samson, Mo, Forto.They are most resistant to diseases, pests and tolerate temperature fluctuations. With them there is little trouble, and they give a good harvest. Many experienced growers believe that the harvest of carrots depends entirely on the quality of the seeds. Among the most productive seeds and varieties of carrots, according to reviews of experienced vegetable growers, the Dutch producers of this type of vegetable undoubtedly lead. Thanks to the Dutch breeders managed to bring carrot varieties, which are not affected by weather conditions, pests, as well as factors such as drought and frost. The most famous hybrids of this series are “Laguna F1”, “Bangor F1”, “Koltan F1”, “Abaco”.

But even the best varieties of carrots need proper care. Before planting on the personal plot these or those kinds of the Dutch carrots, it is necessary to study the varietal list. Of the early varieties, the most common varieties such as "Nandrin F1" and "Bureau". From mid-ripening varieties is to highlight the "Romosa" and "Kampo." If we consider the late ripening varieties, then you should pay attention to the "Vita Long" and "Carini".

The early variety "Nandrin F1" has recently gained popularity due to a special treatment that scares off carrot pests. Seeds of this species come from Holland, where they are additionally treated with compounds from various diseases and pathogenic bacteria, therefore they are not soaked before planting. This variety has time to mature in the temperate climate of central Russia and Siberia. The peculiarity of the variety is the absence of the core - this center of accumulation of various harmful substances and nitrates. This is its undoubted advantage over other representatives of this vegetable crop.

Another early hybrid variety is the Abaco. This is the discovery of Dutch breeders Monsanto. Vegetable forms and fully ripens in 110 days. In Russia, it was first grown in 2009. The variety is in many ways similar to the description of the Shantane Kuroda variety type. This vegetable with a powerful sheet rosette has gained a niche for itself and has rightfully become a real visiting card of many vegetable growers in central Russia.

Dutch carrot varieties delight excellent harvest. If all the rules of planting, watering, feeding and disinfection are observed, they can be grown on large areas, for example, on farm land. Absolutely all Dutch hybrids have one hundred percent germination, excellent taste and beautiful presentation. Therefore, even a novice gardener can easily grow a good crop.

Carrots can often be found in Siberian vegetable gardens. It is successfully grown in open and closed ground. Due to the special properties of some hybrids, this vegetable is adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia, the Urals and central Russia. In open ground, carrots are able to tolerate slight frosts, because its root crop is lowered into the ground, where the temperature is much higher than the air temperature. But when exposed to cold, even if briefly, the roots lose their taste, the starch turns into sugar. Therefore, “frostbitten” carrots are not suitable for consumption and especially for storage.

It is recommended to plant the seeds correctly, taking into account the agrotechnical characteristics of a particular variety of carrots. And for longer storage, place carrots in sand and store them in semi-basement or basement rooms. Plant carrots in the fall or spring. At the same time, before the autumn sowing, the seeds are not soaked or dried. Optimally in conditions of central Russia, the Urals and Siberia, plant carrots in November.

Crops of carrots in the fall give early harvests.These roots are stored for long, but they can be used fresh, as well as used for canning. In addition, such planting give large root crops. Snow cover hardens the seeds well, making them immune to diseases and pests. And on the site of early varieties, you can plant other vegetables, such as beans, potatoes or tomatoes.

Often in the northern regions of the country carrot hybrids are planted in the spring. In their experience, gardeners know that in the harsh conditions of winter, many seeds lose their germination and can simply die. Therefore, it is preferable to plant the seeds in the spring in order to get a guaranteed harvest of carrots within 70 days. As a rule, the spring varieties, though smaller than the winter ones, are stored for much longer. Planting procedure is much more complicated due to the fact that snow melting after a long Siberian winter contributes to filling the soil with undesirable microorganisms.

The best time for spring planting carrot seeds is the end of April and all of May. The earth should free itself of snow, dry out and breathe. The air temperature should be fixed at +16 degrees Celsius.

For cultivation in Siberia, the Urals and the middle band are suitable few varieties of carrots.

• Root varieties "Incomparable" ripen on average for three months. Conveniently, the crop ripens all at once. Cone-shaped fruits reach up to 17 centimeters and weigh about 180 grams.
• Carrots variety "Losinoostrovskaya 13" ripens 90 days. The size of the vegetable is 17 centimeters, its weight is about 170 grams. Due to its beautiful appearance, this carrot variety is in demand among buyers. This high-yielding root crop can be planted before winter, as it tolerates cold and frost well.
• Carrot "Nantes" is ready for use after 105 days from the date of landing in the ground. The root is small - up to 14 centimeters, weighing 110 grams. A feature of the root is that it matures not fully immersed in the ground, because of which its surface part is green. But this does not affect the taste of carrots of this variety. Root crops are subject to long storage.

• Carrot varieties "Nastena" ripens in three months from the date of planting. An even weighty root crop reaches 18 centimeters, its weight is 150 grams. The heart of the vegetable is thin, the flesh is juicy and fleshy. Root yield is good, reaches 6 pounds per 1 square meter of planting. Vegetable is well kept and is suitable for autumn and spring crops.
• The grade "Dayana" ripens quite late - in 120 days from the time of planting. The fruit of medium size is well stored, used in raw form, as well as in winter blanks. During heat treatment, it retains its beneficial properties and partially vitamins. Due to the low sugar content it is recommended to use in the diet.
• Root varieties of hybrid varieties "Narbon F1" can be consumed within 100 days from planting seeds into the soil. The hybrid fruit well, the roots are quite large - up to 250 grams, the size of carrots - about 22 centimeters. The vegetable is dense, does not crack and is stored for a long time. The ground part is not exposed to pests. Per square meter of sowing, you can get up to 7 kilograms of carrots in pure form.
• Variety "Nevis F1" is very similar to "Nantes", but a little more fruitful. So, from one square meter of sown area you can get up to 9 kilograms of carrots of this variety.

Years of experience in growing this type of vegetables made it possible to distribute varieties and hybrids of carrots for the northern climatic zone to the early, middle and late ones. Among the early varieties are leading such as "Alenka", "Amsterdam", "Belgian White", "Bangor F1", "Dragon", "Colorit F1" and "Parisian Carotel".Late-ripening includes varieties that are most suitable for various kinds of heat treatments and conservation. Among them, it is worth noting, such as "Altair F1", "Vitamin 6", "Viking", "Canada F1", "Callisto F1", "Leander". Late varieties are represented by long-stored root crops of the varieties - “Vita Long”, “Valeria”, “Yellowstone”, “Scarle”, “Totem F1”, “Shantane 2461”.

Novice gardeners should start planting carrots from the Berski F1 and Abrino F1 hybrids. If you need to grow large fruits, resort to such varieties as "Giant Ross", "Rote Risen" and "Gypsy." Carrots varieties "Lakomka" can be enjoyed in July. Root varieties of the “Solomon” variety are very unpretentious; they are capable of producing a good crop even on depleted clay soils in temperate climatic zones of growth. Seed varieties of carrots "Children" and "Forto" are distinguished by amicable shoots, and the juicy flesh of small root vegetables is very popular with children. In the harsh northern climate, such carrot varieties as “Emperor” and “Red without core” grow poorly. Fruits grow thin, knobby and long, do not have time to gain weight and get into the taste.

Making a brief excursion on the northern varieties of carrots, we can draw the following conclusion: for this climatic zone, all early and mid-season varieties are suitable. They have time to mature for a short summer. They have enough substances to form normal high-quality root vegetables. It is best to grow late-ripening carrots in greenhouses, because, due to their peculiarities, they will grow well in greenhouses.

In terms of the growing season and climatic features, carrot varieties are determined for the temperate climate of the Moscow region. Early small fruits grow well here, as well as late varieties of long shelf life. Before planting seeds, you must first prepare the soil. This occurs in two directions: the creation of a humus horizon and the provision of safety from pests. The soils of the Moscow region are poor and highly oxidized. It is necessary to take measures for the processing of podzolic soils in order to prepare them for planting vegetables. For this, rotted manure or any other organic matter is applied, creating the foundation of the soil, mineral fertilizers are applied annually, deepening the arable layer, and sand is additionally added to improve soil cover aeration.

When the land is ready, you should decide on the varieties for planting. Traditionally for the Moscow region, early carrot varieties are used, such as the Parisian Carotel and Parmex, which give juicy small roots rich in sugars and vitamins. They do not need preliminary digging, they grow well on a small fertile layer of poor clay soils. Their fruits are suitable for fresh consumption or are processed into juice, since short root vegetables are not stored for a long time. Among the early crops are also varieties such as "Lagoon", "Dordogne F1" and "Alenka".

It is useful to know some features of the growth of certain varieties. For example, the high-yielding variety of large carrots “Alenka” grows on podzolic soils, provided that it is richly fertilized with nitrogen. And so that the substances do not concentrate in the core of the root, the soil is recommended to be mixed with sand, creating a steady ventilation of the soil cover. The depth of plowing the ridge is directly related to the yield of this variety, which, moreover, does not tolerate insufficient watering. Weeding and plowing between rows should be provided in a timely manner, and the above-ground parts of the plants should be treated with special insecticides against pests such as carrots in time.

Mid-season carrot varieties "Moscow Winter A-515" and "Vitamin 6" are planted in the spring or autumn. "Moscow Winter A-515" planted in the ground in the fall. You need to make sure that the carrot does not sprout ahead of time. Before planting, the ridge should also be compacted so that the seeds are not washed out with precipitation and melt water.Shoots in the spring are able to withstand slight frosts down to -8 degrees.

The variety of carrots "Vitamin 6" was obtained by breeding varieties "Nantes" and "Berlikum" in 1969. The fruit ripens in one hundred days from the moment of landing. In cretaceous processing, carrots can be stored for up to 8 months.

The late maturing variety of carrots, bred specifically for Moscow region - Moscow Late. It matures within 145 days. It is planted in the fall, covered with branches and straw for snow retention and obstacles for leaching seeds. Late-ripening varieties, though ripen longer than normal, but are able to accumulate more vitamins and minerals. In addition, these roots are stored much longer than their early maturing brethren.

General rules for planting carrots in the spring occur according to the standard scheme. First, the ridges abundantly wake up with wood ash powder. Then excavated linear furrow depth of 2 centimeters. Seed should be planted at a distance of at least 20 centimeters. To receive early shoots, the landing site is plentifully spilled and covered with films or other similar material. Periodically it is necessary to irrigate the land, not allowing the top layer of the soil to dry out.

As soon as the first shoots appear, it is necessary to thin the plantings so that there is enough free space for the growth of neighboring root crops. Carrots should be watered regularly and abundantly, about once a week. Then with the growth of watering should be intensified. It is necessary to regularly loosen the soil in the aisle and spud planting sites. Top-dressing should be started 14 days after germination with compositions containing potassium, magnesium, superphosphate, other necessary elements and mineral substances. Separately, it should be watered with a solution of urea at the rate of 15 grams per one bucket of water. By constantly removing weeds and providing timely protection against insects and pests, you can get a good harvest of fresh and juicy carrots in three months.

It is worth noting that on any soil and in any climate you can get a good harvest of carrots. You only need to adhere to the rules and regulations, as well as follow the advice of experienced vegetable growers and gardeners.

Here are some of them.

• Carrots in the same soil should be planted after three years. It is necessary to restore the soil balance of nutrients.
• Crop rotation is best done after such vegetables as tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage. It is not recommended to plant carrots immediately after harvesting potatoes, beets, celery and parsley.
• The digging depth is reflected in the quality of root crops: in deep soil, carrots grow much better, the fruits are long and even.

• Before planting, the seeds must undergo a comprehensive treatment. This procedure can be done by treating the seeds with a weak manganese solution.
• It is not recommended to dry carrots before storage, as it is possible to deprive it of the necessary moisture reserve. Carrots are stored differently, but, in general, no more than three months, subject to storage conditions at an appropriate temperature.

On the best varieties of carrots for the middle band, and their storage, see the following video.