Carrot ‘Autumn King’

A lovely strong and straight variety that works well for spring or autumn sowing.

These seeds need to be sown direct and you can sow them from end March as long as the weather is warm enough however this variety can also be sown for early winter eating as it stands well in the ground.

Carrots can be attacked by carrot root fly so protect using mesh approx. 2ft high around the carrots. Fleece covering if you have any will help with germination but not absolutely necessary. Sow seed thinly in pre watered shallow rows approx 1cm deep. Just like parsnips you’ll end up using more seed than you need because you’ll be thinning out afterwards. Cover with compost and keep the area moist. Once germinated (approx 10days) and large enough to handle, thin to 1cm between each carrot.

Winter sown carrots: This variety can also be sown mid June for winter cropping.

I find that sowing seeds later in the year but when still warm will produce some good roots that will give you an extended harvest later on. For the most success  I prefer to sow into a large pot or tub. I then cover the top of the pot with with something, like a piece of horticultural fleece. The fleece will not only protect against carrot root fly but also keep seedlings toasty. It’s very important to keep newly sown seeds moist so lift off the cover and water to stop drying out.  If you are sowing into the ground, sow seed thinly in pre watered shallow rows approx 1cm deep. I haven’t had a lot of seed to save from these varieties so sow sparingly! Either in ground or a pot, cover with compost and press down firmly. Once germinated (approx 10days) and large enough to handle, thin to 1cm between each carrot.