Atomic Red Carrot Seeds Organic
The Atomic Red carrots have these cool tapered roots that are super bright red, and when you cook them, the color just gets even better! These non-GMO carrots are packed with lycopene, which is great for your health. Plus, they taste amazing and take about 70 days to grow.
You can trace the first mentions of red, white, and purple carrots back to records from Afghanistan and Egypt. As for yellow carrots, they go way back to Turkish records from the 900s. For thousands of years, carrots have been used for medicinal purposes, treating everything from indigestion to cancer. After World War I, carrots really took off in popularity in the U.S., and now they’re mostly grown commercially in Texas, Michigan, and California.
Get the soil ready about 3 weeks before the last spring frost or when it hits 45 degrees F. These long, skinny carrots love loose, well-worked soil to grow to their full length. Create a raised mound in the row, roughly 8" wide; plant the seeds on top and lightly cover them with 1/4" of very loose soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but don’t let the area above the seeds harden up - that could stop them from sprouting. Plant more seeds every 3-6 weeks for a steady harvest. For some companion planting perks, grow carrots alongside aromatic herbs or onions; this combo will help keep the carrot fly and its larvae away.
Once the seedlings hit about 2" tall, carefully thin them out to be 2-4" apart, based on how big you want your carrots to be. The more space they have, the larger they’ll grow. Keep an eye on the soil moisture; don’t let it dry out. When you start to see the tops of the carrots poking through the soil, add some mulch to keep them nice and tender. Also, keep those weeds in check to avoid stunting your young carrots.
Since carrot varieties can cross-pollinate with each other and wild carrots, make sure to isolate the plant for seed at least two miles away from other varieties or use a protective cage.
In regions where the ground freezes during winter, you'll need to dig up the carrots before the first heavy frost; twist off the tops and keep the carrots at 35 degrees F in damp sand or sawdust throughout the winter, ensuring the roots don’t touch.
Replant them in the spring. To maintain genetic diversity, aim to harvest 30-40 carrots. In warmer areas, you can leave them in the ground and cover them generously with mulch for the winter.
In spring, let the plant flower; once the tops turn brown and dry, cut them off and let them dry completely. Clean them to get rid of as much chaff as you can, then store in a cool, dry spot for up to three years.
Latin Name: Daucus carota
Type: Open Pollinated, Cool Season
USDA Zones: 3-12
Seeds per Ounce: 20,000
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 14 Inches
Shape: Tapered
Size: 9"
Color: Red
Atomic Red Carrots are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may support heart health and reduce inflammation. They also provide vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and wellness.
Medicinal Advantages of Atomic Red Carrots
Nutritional Overview
Rich in Lycopene: Atomic Red carrots are loaded with lycopene, a strong antioxidant. This compound is recognized for its ability to potentially lower the risk of certain cancers and enhance heart health.
Vitamins and Minerals: These carrots provide a solid amount of vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and fiber, all of which are important for overall wellness.
Health Advantages
Antioxidant Benefits: The abundant lycopene helps fight oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to chronic illnesses.
Heart Wellness: Eating foods high in lycopene regularly may help reduce cholesterol levels and boost heart function.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The antioxidants found in Atomic Red carrots can assist in lowering inflammation, which may be helpful for conditions like arthritis.
Culinary Applications
Cooking Versatility: Atomic Red carrots can be enjoyed raw, shredded into salads, or cooked. Cooking brings out their sweetness and enhances the absorption of nutrients.
Digestive Benefits: The fiber they contain supports digestion and encourages gut health.
Final Thoughts
Adding Atomic Red carrots to your meals can offer a range of health benefits, mainly due to their high antioxidant levels and vital nutrients. They not only add a splash of color to your dishes but also serve as a healthy option for boosting overall wellness.