Stefano | F1 Nantes Pelleted Carrot Seed

STEFANO F1 Nantes is a high germination ,very versatile, smooth and slightly tapered Nantes carrot. It has strong, upright tops and has been grown successfully throughout Australia under a wide range of soil types and weather conditions. STEFANO has resistance to Alternaria Leaf Blight (Ad) and Cavity Spot (Ps)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Daucus carota var. sativus

CULTURE: Carrots require well-drained soils, with a pH range of 6.0-6.8. Deep, loose, and fertile sandy loams and peat soils with good moisture-holding capacity grow the straightest and smoothest roots.

NON INTENSIVE PLANTING: Sow from early spring to midsummer, 19-25mm apart (about 30 seeds/30cm.), 6-12mm deep, in 5cm wide band, or single rows 40-60cm apart. For minimum soil compaction, use raised beds with 2 or 3 rows 40-60cm apart, beds 1,6-2metres on centre (bed to bed). Sprinkle the soil surface to keep moist. Don’t allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings which takes 1-3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture. If soil moisture during germination is an issue, we recommend using pelleted seed. If necessary, thin young seedlings to 19-25mm apart, depending on root size desired. Keep weed-free by tine weeding and shallow hoeing. To prevent greening, cover exposed crowns.

DISEASES: Blights can reduce yield and quality. Alternaria blight shows as brown-black lesions edged with yellow on leaf margins beginning on oldest leaves. Leaflets may shrivel and die. Cercospora blight first appears as small dark spots with yellow margins on the younger leaves and stems. To prevent blights, practice a 3-year crop rotation. Copper fungicides (see Index) can be employed as a preventive measure or control.

INSECT PESTS: Carrot rust flies and wireworms. Provide fertile growing conditions and avoid ground recently in sod if possible. Exclude adult insects with fabric row covers.

HARVEST: Carrots may be dug any time after they reach the desired size. Generally the best harvest period lasts about 3 weeks (longer in cool, fall weather), after which time the roots may crack or the taste and appearance may decline. Make a few sowings at 3-week intervals for a continuous supply of tender carrots at their prime.

STORAGE: Plant carrots intended for winter storage about 100 days before expected fall frost. Carrots store best at 0-2C and 98% relative humidity.

AVG. SEEDING RATE: 1000seeds/10metres, 5000/55metres’, 25M/270metres, 720,000/acre at 30 seeds/30cm in rows 60cm apart.

CARROT TYPE: Each type is identified in catalog copy. Nantes are medium length and cylindrical. The Shipping/Imperator types have the extra length and durability required in conventional packaged carrots, and perform the best in deeply worked soil. Chantenays are top-shaped and suitable for shallow or heavy soil. They are suitable for tropical winter production (CA, TX, FL) or temperate summer production (where winters get below 7-13C.

SEED SPECS: SEEDS/500g.: 210,000-445,100 (avg. 298,000).