Thompson & Morgan Carrot Eskimo 450 Seed

Carrot - Eskimo

This is an excellent main crop carrot and, as the name suggests, a very hardy variety, tolerating temperatures of as low as -10C depending on soil types. Eskimo can be lifted late in the season for storage or even overwintered if grown in well-drained, lighter soils. The rich orange Nantes-type roots hold their flavour throughout the autumn and winter especially if left in the ground, and will also resist splitting.

Direct sow carrot seeds outdoors from March to July in a weed free, sunny position in fertile, light, well-drained soil. Sow carrot seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm in drills 30cm apart. Germination will take 10 to 20 days. When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings within each row to 10cm apart. Water well to encourage germination. Once germinated, carrots should be watered only when necessary to keep the soil moist as excessive water may encourage leaf growth instead of roots. During growth, the carrot roots may be earthed up to prevent green crowns developing. Cover later carrot sowings with fleece or fine netting, and remove all thinnings from the site to minimise carrot fly infestation. Carrots can be harvested from July to December depending on their sowing date. Pull a single carrot first to assess the size of the roots. If the soil is dry, lifting carrots can be made easier by watering beforehand. Roots can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 4 months.