Great varieties for beginners and good health
It’s sure to get the thumbs up from Bugs Bunny… my list of the best carrots for pots and containers. However, there’s more to this vegetable than a Sunday lunch accompaniment – or indeed its orange colour.
Carrots in the wild were originally purple or white but in the 17th century, Dutch growers cultivated orange varieties as a tribute to William of Orange. Traditional yellow, white and purple types were virtually wiped out until the resurgence in heritage varieties.
Here are my choices for the year, focusing on ease of growing, those suitable for growing in containers and top colours (for health). Here’s more on growing carrots. For more colourful varieties, check out Mr Fothergill’s introductions. Read more about the world record carrots.
Caracas
With short, conical roots, Caracas can be grown on heavier soils or in containers as baby carrots. It’s a Chantenay type, with rich orange, coreless flesh and an outstanding flavour. Good eaten fresh or stored, www.thompson-morgan.co.uk.
The best carrots for pots – Primo
A favourite commercial variety for restaurants, but not well known for home gardeners. Great for overwintering under protection for an early spring crop.
The roots colour and flavour up when they are very young and much earlier than other varieties, meaning an early harvest of small, tender, sweet carrots. Roots are a good shape and don’t get huge, remaining tender with a small core. Strong tops, excellent for bunching, www.seaspringseeds.co.uk.
Paris Market Baron
A 19th-century French heirloom type, these tender, bite-sized, round carrots are perfect for beginners. Early maturing and uniform, even in a window box, they are ideal for growing in shallow or stony soil. www.plant-world-seeds.com.
The best carrots for pots – Night Bird F1
This almost black variety is packed with purple anthocyanins, which are thought to be beneficial to heart health by helping reduce blood pressure if eaten regularly.
In tests, Night Bird had twice the level of anthocyanins of its nearest rival. It has a nuttier flavour than most varieties. Was in the James Wong range, now www.suttons.co.uk.
Volcano
New and exclusive, this extremely strong, reliable and tasty variety is resistant to breakage, splitting and disease. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A and antioxidants, www.mr-fothergills.co.uk.
The best carrots for pots – Oxheart
The only carrot I’ve had success with. An old French variety, sometimes known as Guerande from Nantes. These snub-nosed carrots grow well in containers or shallow soil, reaching 10-13cm wide at the shoulder. Sweet and tender, Oxheart is a quick grower, and it’s an excellent keeper, www.dobies.co.uk.
Malbec F1
One of the best red varieties available, this maincrop Imperator-type carrot produces reliable, tasty crops. Recommended for roasting, www.johnsons-seeds.com.
The best carrots for pots – Carrot Seeds Cropping Programme
Perfect for an allotment when you want almost year-round roots. Included are:
- Amsterdam Sprint (Harvest April-September): One of the earliest and tastiest varieties. Lift as baby carrots, steam and toss in butter.
- Sugarsnax F1 (Harvest June-October): The sweetest root and high in beta-carotene, which gives an extra rich colour. The long roots have disease resistance, it is slow to bolt and can be left in the ground with little deterioration.
- Senior F1 (Harvest November-May): A very late, vigorous maincrop, but it will stay in good condition in the garden until the following May. The long, cylindrical roots tolerate powdery mildew.
- Maestro F1 (Harvest August-January): Notable for its pest and disease resistance, this maincrop Nantes-type is a fast grower, giving smooth-skinned roots, www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk.
Dragon Purple
A purple variety that looks like roots did when they were first domesticated in the Middle East. Fairly sweet with a decently strong ‘carrot’ flavour, with orange flesh inside, www.realseeds.co.uk.
The best carrots for pots – Carrot Aron F1
An unusually shaped 5-10cm half-long, stumpy root, early cropping and full of flavour. Ideal for clay soils or containers, www.kingsseeds.com.
Carotte Jaune De Doubs
Rustic yellow variety from the French town of Doubs. Once used just for forage, but now prized for its culinary quality, www.seedsofitaly.com. Read more about Franchi Seeds of Italy.
Ruby Prince F1
A newish variety that is both pinky-red on the outside and inside. Packed full of lycopene, it is crisp, tasty and healthy, www.chilternseeds.co.uk.
