High-yielding carrot hybrid Boltex with excellent taste

Description of the carrot hybrid Boltex

The mid-late hybrid Boltex F1 is produced by the French agricultural holding Tezier Clause. It produces a high yield of strong and juicy medium-sized root crops. Has a competitive advantage among late carrot varieties.

Origin and development

Boltex F1 is a daughter patented hybrid variety of the first generation of the Chantane variety. It belongs to heterotic varieties - superior in quality to its “parents”, obtained as a result of artificial pollination of flowers of different subspecies.

Chemical composition

The peculiarity of the Boltex hybrid is its low calorie content and high content of carotene, a healthy sugar. 100 g of homogeneous pulp contains only 43 kcal. Moreover, 90% of the root vegetable consists of water.

100 g contains 17.2% proteins, 2.3% fats and 80% carbohydrates, as well as:

• 2400 mg fiber (indigestible fiber) - stimulates gastrointestinal motility;
• 8.26 mg of beta-carotene - improves the condition of the visual organs;
• 0.15 mg of retinol - beneficial for the skin and mucous membranes;
• 0.03 mg of biotin - restores skin cells, participates in metabolic processes;
• 0.15 mg of pyridoxine - improves the process of hematopoiesis and blood composition, supports the functioning of the nervous system;
• 0.06 mg of thiamine - stimulates brain function, affects carbohydrate metabolism;
• 0.06 mg of riboflavin - improves hormone synthesis, normalizes the number of red blood cells in the blood;
• 0.01 mg phylloquinone - supports liver function;
• 5.7 mg of ascorbic acid - has a pronounced antioxidant effect, protects against viruses and infections;
• 0.7 mg of tocopherol - inhibits cell aging, improves blood flow.

Boltex carrots contain phytonutrients. Bioactive substances increase immune function and reduce the risk of cancer.

The variety has a rich mineral composition:

• potassium - 325 mg;
• magnesium - 13 mg;
• phosphorus - 35 mg;
• manganese - 0.15 mg;
• iron - 0.4 mg;
• copper - 0.05 mg.

Ripening time and yield

Mid-season Boltex carrots ripen in 110-125 days after the first shoots.

Subject to agrotechnical conditions, watering regime and timely fertilizing, the hybrid produces a high yield. Up to 8 kg of root crops are harvested from 1 m². Moreover, the weight of 1 fruit reaches 150-160 g.

On large farms, the average yield reaches 60-70 tons per hectare.

Disease resistance

Average resistance to flowering, bolting and cracking of root crops is observed.

High immunity to common crop diseases:

• downy mildew;
• cercospora;
• root rot;
• Alternaria blight.

Description of appearance

Boltex F1 belongs to biennial herbaceous plants of the Apiaceae family, a subspecies of wild carrots. A hybrid variety of the Shantane variety.

The rosette tops are spreading, powerful, and erect. The leaves are medium-sized, dissected, bright green in color.

The root crop is elongated, cone-shaped, with a blunt rounded tip. It grows up to 15 cm in length. The circumference at the base is up to 4-5 cm. The fruit is dark orange in color with juicy, uniform, dense pulp. The core is medium in size, not pronounced. The peel is thin, even and smooth. Due to the high content of sugar, beta-carotene, and dry substances, the taste is delicate, sweetish, without bitterness.

Presentation and taste are preserved for 10-12 months.

What regions is it suitable for?

The crop is cold-resistant and, with sufficient watering, tolerates summer heat well. The hybrid is adapted to heavy types of substrate.

Root crops have time to fully ripen in climate zones with short summers and frosty winters.

Hybrid Boltex is sown in Siberia and the Urals. It is also zoned in the northern, southern, and temperate latitudes of the country.

Characteristics and description of the variety

Boltex is a typical representative of the Umbrella family. The hybrid has similar outline, shape and growth characteristics to other types of carrots, but is distinguished by a unique combination of morphology, fruiting time and yield. In addition, the variety has some unique properties that affect not only the productivity of the root crop, but also the quality of the crop.

Origin

In recent years, the Boltex variety has become a truly popular variety of carrots, the cultivation of which is a real advantage for the vegetable grower. This is explained by the fairly high quality of the seed material. The author of the variety is the world-famous French agricultural holding Clause, which has been breeding, producing and selling high-quality seed material for vegetable crops for more than 200 years.

Did you know? The history of carrot cultivation goes back about 4 thousand years. At the same time, the homeland of the plant is considered to be the territory of modern Afghanistan, where today the largest number of various varieties of root crops are grown.

The variety is one of the company's most modern developments. It was obtained as a result of direct crossing of hybrids previously developed by the company, which made it possible to improve the initial qualities of the mother plants in the new variety. This allowed breeders to create a highly productive variety of carrots, the Chantanay type, popular throughout the world.

Productivity

Productivity is one of the main distinguishing features of Boltex. Carrots can easily produce about 8 kg of fruit/m² of plot, but under optimal conditions this figure can increase. Under artificial conditions, with strict adherence to fertilizing, watering and an optimal microclimate, the hybrid is capable of producing up to 10 kg/m².

Ripening time

This variety of carrot is classified as a mid-season vegetable plant. This means that the crop (depending on the microclimate and care regime) ripens approximately 100–125 days after the start of active growing season.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of culture:

• equally high productivity in open ground and greenhouses;
• copes well with daily temperature fluctuations;
• seedlings germinate even during spring frosts down to –4°C;
• In cool summer conditions, root crops fully develop.

Among the disadvantages, farmers note:

• seed material is not cheap;
• hybrids do not produce high-quality seed “offspring”;
• in the second generation, morphological characteristics are lost, the positive properties are scattered into the forms of the predecessor parents.

Difference from other varieties and hybrids

Boltex F1, according to the Seed Supermarket magazine (No. 5, spring 2016), is recognized as the best variety for storage.

The pulp is homogeneous, the core also has an orange tint.

The improved subspecies is intended for winter planting; the root crops have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.

Pros and cons of the variety

• The main advantages of carrots:
• increased productivity;
• the plant bears fruit well on any type of soil, including dense chernozems;
• the variety is resistant to bolting and flowering;
• the harvest has high taste characteristics;
• fruits can be stored for a long time and can also withstand long-term transportation;
• the plant is resistant to characteristic diseases, including Alternaria and root rot;
• Carrots are great for both fresh consumption and canning.

The plant also has some disadvantages. First of all, Boltex is a first-order hybrid obtained by direct crossing of mother plants. That is why it is not able to reproduce on its own, since when receiving second-order seeds, degeneration of the variety is observed. Also, the disadvantages of the hybrid include the need for painstaking care and the high cost of seed material.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the average varieties of carrots:

Features of planting and growing

When planting the Boltex F1 hybrid, it is important to take into account agronomic conditions, features of soil preparation, seed material and method of cultivation.

Preparing for landing

In April - early May the site is prepared:

• the beds are dug up;
• large clods are broken, the substrate is leveled with a rake;
• weeds are removed by the roots;
• During autumn digging, the beds are fertilized with compost, manure, and minerals.

It is important to treat the seeds with special growth preparations before planting. Stress adaptogens provide rapid adaptation and 100% germination. The seed material is soaked for 2-3 hours in the growth stimulator “Kornevin”, “Epin”, “Energen Aqua”.

Soil requirements

The variety is suitable for all types of soil, including heavy black soil, sandy loam and loamy soils. An important condition is a fertile layer of at least 20-25 cm.

Important! To reduce soil acidity, the Boltex liming method for carrots is not recommended. Use soft soil deoxidizers - dolomite flour or wood ash.

To improve moisture permeability and looseness, coarse river sand is added to heavy rocky soil or loams.

Predecessors

Boltex carrots grow well after garden crops:

• tomatoes;
• cabbage;
• Luke;
• garlic;
• hot and sweet pepper;
• early potato varieties;
• cucumbers

The culture grows and develops poorly after:

• greens (cilantro, parsley, dill);
• celery;
• beets;
• cumin.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

Pre-treated seeds are sown in open ground or a greenhouse in the first ten days of March (early spring sowing). Summer planting (to store the crop for the winter) is carried out at the very end of May or beginning of June.

Important! Late spring (pre-winter) crops produce a full harvest; root crops are stored all winter, do not dry out, do not wrinkle, and retain their nutritional composition and taste.

Planting is carried out according to the following scheme:

• consumption rates are calculated in the ratio of 0.2 g per 1 m², respectively, 2 g (one packet of seeds) is enough for an area of ​​10 m²;
• row spacing - at least 15-20 cm;
• distance between seedlings - 3-4 cm;
• seeds are buried 1-2 cm;
• To ensure uniform distribution of seeds, sowing is carried out manually;
• the optimal temperature for sowing is 10-12°C;
• in cold regions, seeds germinate at a temperature of +5...+6°C;
• full-fledged root crops are formed and ripen at a temperature of +20...+23°C.

Features of cultivation

In dry, infertile soil, seeds do not germinate well, seedlings are weak, and often get sick and die.

It is important to comply with the depth standards. When planted deeply, the sprouts do not receive adequate nutrition. When planted superficially (without sufficient depth), germination is reduced due to the drying out of the top layer of the substrate. The sprouts grow variegated, with a delay of 7-10 days.

The culture prefers illuminated planting sites and tolerates summer heat well. Pre-winter sowing is carried out at the end of October or beginning of November, mainly in closed ground, with temperature regulation and lighting.

To maintain moisture exchange and soil moisture in the summer heat, the beds are mulched with sawdust or hay. In cold regions, immediately after sowing, it is recommended to cover the area with film overnight. During the day, the shelter is periodically removed for 1-2 hours for ventilation.

Watering mode

Abundant daily watering is recommended at the beginning of the growing season and during the formation of root crops. The optimal mode is regular, as the top layer dries. In moderate climates, watering once a week is sufficient. At the end of the formation of root crops, watering is reduced by 2 times, taking into account precipitation and temperature. Excess moisture causes cracking and warping. Substrate humidity 2 weeks before harvest should not exceed 60%.

Thinning and weed control

Weeding is carried out regularly, as clogging occurs . They loosen a week after seed germination (to a depth of no more than 7 cm), then at intervals of 14-15 days. When the seedlings have 1-2 true leaves, the crops are thinned, leaving a distance of up to 4 cm.

In order not to harm the roots, the soil is moistened before weeding and thinning the seedlings, and after weeding the rows are mulched.

Top dressing

Organic fertilizers are applied in advance when digging the site in the fall. Compost, a diluted solution of manure or litter, is suitable for these purposes.

Mineral complexes (potassium, phosphorus) are added throughout the entire period of growth and formation of root crops. The recommended dose of fertilizer is up to 15 g per 1 m².

For systemic feeding, fertilizers “Kemira” and “Nitrofoska” are used. In the northern regions - calcium sulfate at the beginning of the growing season.

Disease and pest control

Overwatering is unacceptable - root crops become infected with root rot, and the crop rots.

It is advisable to treat the seedlings and substrate with pesticides (“Fitoverm” is used to spray the tops). The last treatment is 3-4 days before harvest.

Important! Mulching beds protects against garden pests.

Organic matter (compost and manure), a layer of mulch (peat, sawdust) must be disinfected with urea.

Treatment with a solution of Bordeaux mixture or other fungicides and insecticides (antifungal drugs Intavir, Actellik) helps against powdery mildew, carrot fly, and spotting.

Carrot growing technology: planting seeds in open ground (with video)

Growing carrots in the photo

Growing carrots in open ground is practiced everywhere, since almost all of its numerous varieties are extremely undemanding to the climate. Seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of +3. +4°C, but the optimal temperature for growth is much higher - about +20°C. Carrot seedlings can withstand temperatures down to -3. -4°C. The low heat requirements of carrots make winter or very early sowing of seeds possible.

Gardeners know that even if they follow all the subtleties of agricultural technology for growing carrots, it is very difficult to get good shoots. The essential oils contained in its seeds slow down their swelling and germination, so they germinate slowly and unfriendly. Hydrothermal treatment of carrot seeds is very effective. To do this, in accordance with the technology of growing carrots, the seeds in a gauze bag are immersed in a vessel with hot water heated to +50 for 20 minutes. +52°С. Then they are quickly cooled with cold water and dried until flowable.

This method allows you to effectively fight internal infection, but at the same time, the temperature and duration of the procedure must be maintained very accurately: if less, there will be no effect; if more, the germination of carrots will decrease.

Harvest and storage

A timely harvest is the key to good keeping quality and long-term storage. It is not recommended to overcook root vegetables.

How and when to collect

The crop is harvested 3-3.5 months from the date of sowing.

Harvesting rules:

• stop feeding at least 3-4 days before;
• complete watering in a week;
• dig only in dry weather with a shovel;
• Use a sharp knife to cut off the tops.

Storage features and shelf life

The harvest is stored in special rooms (cellar, basement, barn). The optimal temperature is -2°C. Permissible air humidity is no more than 95%.

Important! When storing, avoid exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Storage method:

• in stacks;
• in bulk;
• in the pyramids;
• boxes;
• plastic bags;
• trenches and holes.

Immediately after harvesting, root crops are sorted and those damaged by diseases are removed. Dry for an hour. Cool in a darkened room for 7 days.

Damaged root vegetables are cleaned, grated, processed or sent to the freezer. This crop cannot be stored.

Advice from experienced gardeners

If the area has not been fertilized since the fall, in the spring, after digging the beds, dolomite flour is scattered directly over the surface of the soil. Maintain proportions - 2 tbsp. per 1 m². Then the fertilizer is carefully incorporated with a rake to a length of teeth of 6-7 cm. It is at this depth that beneficial soil microorganisms and bacteria live.

It is important to water the furrows with warm water before burying the seeds. This procedure ensures rapid germination and activates growth processes.

Hybrid Boltex does not tolerate shading, especially at the beginning of the growing season. The seedlings stretch out, the root crops form crooked and small.

Agrotechnical trick. When grown on ridges and ridges, the amount of harvest increases by 1.5-2 times.

Beneficial properties of carrots and medicinal value

The beneficial properties of carrots have been known since ancient times. In Rus', already in the 16th century, carrot juice was considered healing. They were used to treat diseases of the nasopharynx, heart, and liver.

They believed in the healing properties of carrots even later, although they could not yet explain how exactly they differed from other vegetables. Scientists have been able to give a comprehensive answer to this question only in our days. It has been established that carrots contain carotene, which in the human body is converted into vitamin A, nicknamed the growth vitamin. The same vitamin is necessary for normal vision, good condition of the skin and mucous membranes.

True, vitamin A is found in many products of animal origin: liver, sour cream, eggs. And carotene is found in a number of vegetables and fruits, colored red and orange. However, not everyone can consume large quantities of, for example, eggs or liver. But carrot juice is good for everyone. It contains several times more carotene than tomato or apricot juice. 100 g of raw carrots contain 7.2 mg of carotene, while tomatoes and apricots contain only 1.7.

Carrot roots produce a very high juice yield. From one and a half kilograms you get 1 liter of juice, that is, its yield is 67%. And this is from ordinary varieties known to us. But there are also special varieties of carrots for the production of juices (for example, “Rotin”, “Without core”, “Samson”).

Better absorption of carotene is facilitated by the fats consumed, since carotene itself does not dissolve in water.

It is characteristic that, not knowing these features of carotene, the healers of Ancient Rus' prescribed butter, tinted with carrot juice, as well as fresh carrots, preserved in honey until winter - a way to protect all the most valuable vitamins and substances from destruction.

Carrot roots contain, in addition to vitamin A, a unique set of calcium salts, phosphorus, iodine, iron, microelements, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, K, P, PP.

Carrots also have medicinal value; they are used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and are used in dietary nutrition for diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys. In folk medicine, an infusion of fruits (seeds) is used for kidney stone disease. Elevated cholesterol levels are the main cause of serious heart pathologies, and regular consumption of carrots will help lower cholesterol levels and prevent the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack. Carrots are high in fiber and roughage, which are some of the most important elements for maintaining healthy digestion. These substances stimulate peristaltic movements and have a beneficial effect on the secretion of gastric juice.

Another unique medicinal property of carrots is that it helps strengthen the retina of the eyes. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend that all patients with vision problems consume carrots in any form daily, preferably in the form of carrot juice. This is especially important when working with a computer. The juice is absorbed faster if you drink it on an empty stomach, with a small amount of fat. You can pour a glass of juice with a spoonful of sour cream or take an incomplete spoonful of vegetable oil. At the same time, this will help cope with constipation, improve intestinal function, and increase immunity to infectious diseases.

Reviews of the carrot hybrid Boltex

According to statistics from agricultural stores and supermarkets, Boltex carrots received 94% positive feedback. On the forums, summer residents give a positive assessment to the hybrid.

Vladimir D., Moscow region. : “I recommend Boltex to everyone. Great carrots are growing. The seeds, however, are expensive, but they are of high quality, and everything pays off. Sweet and juicy until spring, I store it downstairs in the refrigerator in plastic bags.”

Oksana M., Rostov: “Boltex - the price meets expectations, the carrots are just lovely! Children eat grated without sugar, it is so sweet. The manufacturer did not deceive, the original seeds give a good harvest.”

History of breeding

Boltex is a first order hybrid.
The authorship of the species belongs to the breeders of the agricultural company Clause (France). The history of the company dates back more than 200 years of professional work in breeding and introducing innovations to the market for vegetable producers. Today the company is one of the leading seed companies in the world. The plant was obtained by direct crossing of maternal varieties. In the new development, selection has significantly improved the qualities and properties of its predecessors. The list of Chantonay varieties has been supplemented with the productive and high-quality Boltex variety.