Carrot 'Little Fingers'

The ultimate in baby carrots, Little Fingers is a fast-maturing Nantes type with smooth, golden orange skins, crisp texture, and a tender core. Little Fingers carrot seeds are well suited to container growing and may succeed in heavier soils. For best results, plant carrots in well-cultivated soil from March to July for continuous harvests right into early winter. The sweet flavoured, uniform roots are perfect for pickling, or eating fresh out of the garden. These carrots can be harvested early at 8-9cm 3-3.5". Don't let them stay in the ground beyond around 68 days or they begin to lose their gourmet qualities.

Because carrot seeds are tiny, they need to be sown shallowly. The trick is to keep the top-most layer of soil damp during the relatively long germination period. Water deeply prior to planting. Direct sow the tiny seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, 4 seeds per 2cm (1″), and firm soil lightly after seeding. Make sure the seeds are only just buried. Water the area with the gentlest stream possible, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.

DETAILS:

QTY: 300

SITE: Full Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 7 - 30°C 

MATURITY: Varies, no longer than 68 days

SPACING: 2 - 4”

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

• When to Plant: Carrots are a cool-season crop. Sow seeds directly into the garden 2-3 weeks before the last expected spring frost. You can make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until mid-summer for a continuous harvest. In warmer climates, you can also plant them in the fall for a winter crop.

• Where to Plant: Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily).

• Sowing Seeds: Carrot seeds are very small. Sow them thinly, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. To make sowing easier, you can mix the seeds with sand. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to 2-4 inches apart, depending on the variety. This is a crucial step to give the carrots room to develop properly.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Carrots require loose, sandy, or loamy soil that is well-drained and free of stones, rocks, or large clumps of dirt. Hard, compacted soil will cause the carrots to fork or become misshapen. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.

• Fertilizing: Carrots are not heavy feeders. Amending the soil with compost before planting is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to lush foliage but poorly developed roots. If your soil is very poor, you can use a balanced fertilizer, but be sparing.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist. Carrots need a steady supply of water to develop properly. Inconsistent watering can cause the roots to crack or become bitter. Use a gentle spray to water to avoid dislodging the small seeds.

Pests & Diseases:

• Pests: The most common pest is the carrot rust fly, which lays its eggs near the base of the plant. The larvae then tunnel into the roots. To prevent this, you can cover your carrots with a floating row cover.

• Diseases: Carrots are generally resistant to most diseases. Fungal issues can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and not overwatering.

Harvesting:

• Carrots are ready to harvest when the tops of the roots begin to show above the soil line. They are typically ready in 60-80 days, depending on the variety.

• To harvest, carefully loosen the soil around the carrot and gently pull the root out. You can also dig them up with a garden fork.

• Harvest them when they are small and tender for the best flavor. Carrots can be stored in the ground in cooler climates and harvested as needed throughout the fall and early winter.

Tips for Success:

• Loose Soil is Key: This is the most important factor for growing straight, well-formed carrots. Take the time to prepare the bed properly.

• Thinning: Don't skip this step! It's difficult to thin out perfectly good seedlings, but it is necessary for a successful harvest.

• Mulching: A layer of mulch around the plants can help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent.

• Companion Planting: Carrots can be planted near rosemary, sage, and lettuce. The strong scent of these herbs can help to deter the carrot rust fly. Avoid planting them near dill or fennel.