List of carrot varieties intended for long-term storage

It is not enough to simply harvest a large harvest of carrots; it is much more difficult to create optimal conditions for its long-term storage.

There are many reasons that lead to spoilage of vegetable crops: high air temperature, increased dampness, infection with pathogenic microorganisms.

However, the main factor that determines the shelf life of vegetables is their belonging to a certain species.

Read the article about which varieties of carrots are best suited for long-term winter storage.

Variety selection

The choice of variety is crucial in terms of keeping quality of carrots. Even healthy vegetables will rot and spoil in the cellar if they are not intended for long-term storage.

In order not to get confused in a gardening store, you need to focus on the following points:

1. Preference should be given to regionalized varieties and hybrids. Such seeds are initially adapted to a specific climate, so they give a high yield and are better stored.
2. If the harvest is planned to be sold, then it is recommended to choose varieties of foreign selection. They are smooth, beautiful and have increased shelf life.

3. 
   You can purchase seeds from foreign producers, but you will have to grow them in a greenhouse or with a large amount of fertilizer.

4. Consider the final shape and weight of the carrots. Medium-sized root vegetables, not too long and not too small, are best stored.
5. You need to be careful when buying round varieties of carrots. They ripen earlier than others, so they cannot lie for a long time.
6. Take into account the climate in the region. If the summer period is short, then late-ripening varieties simply do not have time to ripen.
7. Buy hybrid varieties marked F1. This provides some guarantee that the harvest will correspond to the properties stated on the seed package (if the manufacturer values ​​​​its reputation).

If you plan to store the crop until the weather warms up, you should give preference to late-ripening varieties.
Carrots collected in the second half of autumn will last longer. However, it is incorrect to assume that early ripening varieties are not suitable for storage. Some of them have good disease resistance and can remain fresh for a long time.

Principles for selecting varieties for winter storage

It is important to choose the right carrot varieties for storage. The duration of storage depends on the timing of planting and ripening.

1. For winter storage, choose long-term varieties that can retain their appearance, weight, taste and beneficial properties for a long time. Mid-ripening and late-ripening carrots have these characteristics.
2. Do not use seeds collected from the garden for several years in a row. Carrots grown from these seeds deteriorate in varietal qualities and resistance to disease deteriorates during storage.
3. In climate zones with short summers, choose mid-season varieties. Late-ripening root vegetables do not have time to accumulate the required amount of fiber and sugar. Therefore, their shelf life is significantly reduced.
4. Short, blunt-pointed varieties are suitable for clayey, heavy soils. On sandy loams and peat bogs with a neutral pH, it is possible to grow any carrots of medium and late ripening.

The best

Each gardener has individual preferences in choosing carrot varieties. In order not to be left without a harvest, it makes sense to buy several varieties of seeds .

On sale you can find large, sweet, early and late varieties, which are quite suitable for winter storage.

Large

Large varieties of carrots should be planted in early May. Otherwise, they will not have time to reach maturity. The average weight of each root crop will be 200-300 g. Not all large varieties can be stored for a long time; some of them spoil very quickly.

In order not to lose the harvest, you need to pay attention to the following names:

1. 
   Canada F1 . The variety ripens late, which ensures its good keeping quality. The weight of root crops is rarely less than 200 g. This variety gives the highest yield in central Russia.

2. Russian size .
   The name of the variety is “talking”. The length of the root vegetables reaches 30 cm. The weight of one carrot can be equal to 1 kg! The huge size does not affect the taste characteristics of the fruits or their keeping quality. In order for the crop to meet all the declared characteristics, it must be grown in light soil and do not forget to feed it with organic fertilizers.
3. Losinoostrovskaya . This is a mid-season variety, the weight of which reaches 200 g, but the diameter of the carrots can be up to 6 cm. Vegetables are grown in central Russia and in the northern regions. Root vegetables keep well until the end of winter.

To grow large carrots, you need to plant them in a sunny area.

Sweet

Carrots will be sweeter the more sugar and carotene they contain. On sale you can find hybrids that are stored for a long time and do not lose their taste. These carrots can be eaten fresh and processed at your discretion.

The following varieties have sweetness and increased keeping quality:

1. Darling. These are early-ripening vegetables that are resistant to cracking, so they can be stored until mid-winter. The length of the root crops is 15 cm, and the weight reaches 150 g.

2. 
   Karotan. The variety was bred in Holland.
   It belongs to the late-ripening variety and is harvested 40 days after germination. Root vegetables contain a lot of sugars, carotene and dry matter, which has a positive effect on their taste.

   With the right approach, the harvest will last until the weather warms up.

3. Emperor. This is a late-ripening variety with a high carotene content. The fruits have a juicy, rich taste, dense and aromatic pulp. During storage, the Emperor only improves its taste characteristics. Under good conditions, vegetables remain edible for up to 9 months.

Early

Early varieties do not store very well, but this does not mean that you should stop growing them. You just need to eat such vegetables first. In addition, some varieties of early carrots can last until January.

The seeds are sown at the end of June and the harvest is harvested at the end of September . The average growing season is about 3 months.

If the root crops lie in the ground for the required 90 days, then they will be suitable for winter storage. Early carrots retain their properties for 4 months.

The best varieties of early carrots that can be grown for long-term storage:

1. Alenka. The ripening period of the root crop is up to 85 days. The vegetables have a cylindrical shape, a pleasant taste and sufficient juiciness. The surface of the carrots is smooth, without bumps. In order for the harvest to last for a long time, the seeds must be planted in fertile soil and watered frequently. The average weight of 1 root vegetable is 100 g, and the length is about 15 cm.

2. 
   Artek. Seeds give high yields when planted in various types of soil.
   The variety was developed at the Transnistrian Research Institute of Agriculture. It can be planted throughout Russia with the exception of the Middle Volga region.

   Root crops ripen in 52 days, but for winter storage they are left in the ground for up to 65-86 days. Average weight – 80-110 g, length – 15 cm.

3. Kuroda. The variety has high adaptive abilities, so it can be planted in any conditions. It is not afraid of heavy soils and diseases, and has high shelf life. The fruits can reach 20 cm in length.

Carrots of different varieties should be stored separately from each other.

Mid-season

When choosing seeds, you need to pay attention to the following names:

1. Autumn King . Carrots store well. During the first 5 months, it accumulates vitamin A, so its benefits do not decrease. In general, the crop can remain edible for about 8 months. The average weight of the fruit is 150-200 g, and the length is 16-25 cm.
2. Nandrin. This hybrid was bred by Dutch breeders, but it produces high yields and stores well. Carrots are successfully grown in the North-Western, Central, Ural, East Siberian and Far Eastern regions. Root crops have a flat, smooth surface and a cylindrical shape, and fully ripen in 105-115 days. The average weight of one copy is 100-120 g. The hybrid is resistant to disease and is suitable for long-term storage.
3. Samson. The seeds were introduced in Holland; vegetables have been successfully grown in Russia since 2001. Samson carrots are cultivated throughout the country. The harvest is harvested 120 days after emergence. Root crops have a high shelf life. After 6 months, up to 86.7% of the crop remains fit for consumption.

Mid-season carrot varieties ripen in 105-115 days after planting. Compared to early varieties, they are more productive and have a long shelf life.

Late

Late varieties of carrots are called autumn varieties. For their full ripening it takes 120 days or more. They give a high yield and are perfectly stored until spring .

If optimal conditions are created for them, the humidity level and air temperature are adjusted, then carrots can be eaten until June.

Seeds under such names as:

1. 
   Dolyanka. The variety was developed by Polish breeders and has been successfully grown in Russia since 1997.
   The fruits have a conical shape and an average weight of 94-144 g. Harvesting begins 140 days after emergence. Seeds are sown in the soil no later than May 5, and harvested from October 1 to October 30.

2. Queen of Autumn . Russian breeders have been planting it since 2005. It gives an excellent harvest in the Central regions and the Far East. Harvesting begins 130 days after the first shoots appear. Without loss, you can keep the harvest in the cellar until spring.
3. Flakke. This universal variety feels great both in central Russia and in Siberia. The variety was bred in Holland. The length of the root crops reaches 30 cm, and the weight is 200 cm. The crop does not lose its characteristics during long-term storage.

For the northwestern region

For growing in inland latitudes, farmers are offered more than 200 varieties of carrots to choose from. They all differ in appearance, in the taste of root crops, and in their growing characteristics. Among all the varieties, you can distinguish the best carrots, zoned for the North-West region, from foreign and domestic producers:

1. Vitamin . The variety is characterized by an orange-red color. Each fruit is 15-20 cm long. Its average weight is 100-150 g. The variety is distinguished by a particularly high carotene content. The carrot pulp is tender and juicy. The shape of the vegetable is cylindrical, blunt.
2. Childish taste . Bright orange-colored, juicy, crunchy carrots are truly loved by children. Carrots are up to 15 cm long, conical in shape.
3. Moscow winter . These orange carrots are classified as medium crops as the fruits ripen in 67-98 days. The variety is characterized by a relatively equal length of root crops (about 16 cm). In this case, the weight of carrots directly depends on compliance with the rules for growing the crop and can vary from 100 to 180 g.
4. Nastena . It has excellent external and taste qualities. The length of a cylindrical carrot reaches 18 cm, its average weight is 100-120 g. The flesh of carrots is juicy, sweet, and orange. A special feature of this variety is its thin, small kernel. Used for preparing dietary and baby food.
5. First collection . A special feature is the high content of sugar and carotene. This carrot has an original appearance and amazing taste. The pulp of the root is juicy and tender. The shape is conical, with a sharp end, the color is bright orange.

For winter storage

The following varieties are best stored in winter :

• Forto,
• Queen of autumn
• Samson,
• Shantanay,
• Nuance,
• Lagoon,
• Caramel,
• Moscow winter,
• Dolyanka,
• Nandrin,
• Alenka,
• Artek,
• Canada,
• Romos,
• Sweet tooth,
• Perfection,
• Abledo et al.

For canning

Medium-sized root vegetables are chosen for preservation. They should not show signs of rot or deterioration.

You need to start preparing the preparations as soon as possible after harvesting:

1. Lagoon. A universal variety that is good for canning and eating fresh.
2. Non-Cancer. Root vegetables are cylindrical in shape with a bright red color. These carrots in jars look very beautiful.
3. Carlena. Instances reach a length of 20 cm and weigh no more than 70 g. This variety is ideal for pickling.

For making juice

To prepare juice, it is better to choose early-ripening varieties that have juicy and sweet pulp, for example:

1. Caramel. Carrots get their name from their sweet taste, which comes from their high saccharide content.
2. Princess. Root vegetables have a sweet, delicate taste. If the entire harvest was not used to prepare juice, it can be safely sent to the cellar for storage. When fresh, it will last until mid-summer.
3. Napoli. This Dutch hybrid has an excellent taste, so it makes an excellent juice that does not require added sugar.

Early

Basically, these varieties produce early fruits for nutrition and for the “bundle”. Often in these varieties the ripe fruit is not very sweet. Productivity is low and does not last long. But an early harvest is ensured:

• Amsterdam - a bright orange fruit with a blunt tip, small cylindrical, weighing 50-120 g. The pulp is tender, very sweet, juicy with a small center. It is grown for early production, the variety is resistant to cracking, disease, and is high-yielding.
• Carotelle parisis is the earliest and most famous carrot. One of the most ancient varieties. Short, almost round fruits, and the taste is reminiscent of orange - an excellent dessert, tender and sweet. Children love her very much. Productivity is low. It grows well in heavy soils and loams.
• Losinoostrovskaya . The surface of the root, pulp and kernel are intense orange. The root shape is cylindrical, often with a slight upward and downward run, its tip is blunt, sometimes pointed. Length 15 cm or more, diameter 4.5 cm. The weight of the commercial root is 69-115 grams. The variety is used fresh and for canning in baby food.
• Dragon is a carrot with purple skin and orange flesh. The taste is sweet, spicy. If you like unusual plants, this variety is for you. Very healthy carrots.
• Tushon - cylindrical fruits up to 20 cm. The bright orange pulp is juicy and sweet. It does not store for very long, it is better to use fresh or canned.

How to increase the period?

Fresh carrots are stored in the cellar. To increase the shelf life of products, you need to consider a number of factors:

1. Carefully sort the crop before storing it. Diseased, cracked or rotten fruits should not be placed in the common box.
2. Take care of the cleanliness of the room. It must be thoroughly disinfected.
3. Create optimal storage conditions: the air temperature should remain between 0 and +2 degrees, and the humidity should not exceed 95%.
4. Avoid temperature changes.
5. Use suitable containers. Carrots can be stored in clay, in sand, in wooden boxes (in onion or garlic peels) and in plastic bags.

Periodically, the crop needs to be sorted, removing specimens that show signs of spoilage. The longer carrots are stored, the more often they need to be inspected.

How to grow carrots

In order for carrots to ripen on time, they need to be planted correctly and properly cared for:

1. The soil for carrots is prepared in the fall. The area needs to be dug up or plowed to a depth of at least 30 cm. If this is not done, the root crops will be short and crooked, since the vegetable loves loose soil. Carrots will not grow through hard, crumpled soil and will become crooked and ugly.
2. In the fall, you can also fertilize the soil. To do this, it is better not to use mineral fertilizers - this vegetable does not like them. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and compost fertilizers are more suitable.
3. Carrots are sown either in late autumn or in mid-spring, when a constant above-zero temperature has established.
4. Before planting, it is better to soak the seeds in water or in a growth accelerator - this way the plants will sprout faster and more harmoniously.
5. When two true leaves appear on each plant, the carrots need to be thinned out. Root vegetables do not like being thickened; at least 5 cm should be left between them.
6. 1-1.5 months after sowing the seeds, the root crop begins to form. At this time, plants especially need regular watering and loosening of the soil.
7. The harvest is harvested depending on the selected variety and the timing of its ripening - on the 80-130th day after sowing the seeds in the ground.

Advice! The carrot harvest should be stored in a dry and cool place (for example, in the basement). Experienced gardeners advise placing root vegetables in wooden boxes with sand.

Reviews of carrot varieties

The Nantes variety is popular with most gardeners. It is recommended for cultivation in all regions of the country. Experienced summer residents receive up to 5 kg of harvest from 1 m². When properly stored for winter, the Nantes variety is not affected by rot and retains its taste and firmness until spring. Many gardeners note the following advantages of the variety: good yield and preservation during storage, high taste.

According to gardeners, one of the best representatives of the Dutch selection is the Boltex variety. It is used by lovers of compact, thick root vegetables. "Boltex" does not crack, contains a lot of carotene, has a red-orange color and a rich taste. Vegetable growers also recommend using this variety to obtain a “bunch” harvest in early summer.

The late variety “Queen of Autumn” is successfully grown even by inexperienced summer residents. Among its advantages are resistance to disease, rich taste and the ability not to lose taste and weight until spring. Gardeners in northern regions with a short autumn sow “Queen of Autumn”, as it can withstand temperatures dropping to -4 °C.

The right variety of carrots will help preserve vegetables until spring. Harvests of late and medium ripening periods retain their taste, density and weight throughout the entire storage period.

Selection of carrot varieties for different regions of the country

Different climate zones have different weather conditions throughout the year. Therefore, for each region you need to select the right carrot varieties for long-term storage.

For central Russia

Photo: Variety Queen of Autumn
With a temperate continental climate, any varieties are suitable for storage:

• "Vitamin"
• "Losinoostrovskaya",
• "Cardinal"
• "Chantaney"
• "Queen of Autumn"
• Boltex.

For Siberia

Characterized by a harsh climate, short summers and early frosts. Late varieties of carrots do not reach biological ripeness in such weather. Therefore, mid-season carrots are grown:

• "Nantes"
• "Chantaney"
• "Losinoostrovskaya".

For the Urals

Photo: Vitamin
Ural variety in the southern part with a milder climate. It is possible to grow most varieties here:

• "Vitamin"
• "Nantes"
• "Red Giant"
• "Queen of Autumn"
• "Totem F1"
• "Emperor".

In the center and north of the Urals there are difficult climatic conditions, with cool summers. It is recommended to choose cold-resistant, mid-late varieties:

• "Red Giant"
• "Vitamin"
• "Forto."

The largest carrot

Reaches a size of 300–350 g. It is suitable for winter storage, is resistant to fungi, and does not lose its taste. Varieties -

• "Nantes"
• "Canada F1"
• "Gourmand"
• "Nandrin F1".