16 carrot gold

Sow a spectrum of coloured carrots that will look good on the plate and taste delicious, says Sue Bradley, as she reveals her top 16

- Sue Bradley,

IF tapering orange roots spring to mind when carrots are mentioned, it's time to dig deeper to find the veritable spectrum of colours and collection of shapes this vegetable has to offer.

Carrots have been grown for thousands of years, gradually spreading from the Middle East to gardens across the world. Originally white or purple in colour, the vast number of cultivars available nowadays is the legacy of generations of growers.

From the long 'Imperator' types frequently found in supermarkets and 'carrot-shaped' Danvers varieties developed in the USA towards during the 19th Century, to stout 'Chantenay' and ball-like roots associated with France, there's a world of flavours, shapes and sizes awaiting gardeners keen to try something different.

Early or maincrop

Carrots have a hardiness rating of H3 in the UK. Seeds can be 'early', as soon as February or March, with cloches or horticultural fleece being used to get them off to the best possible start, or 'maincrop' for putting in from April to early July.

Many people grow carrots from seed in open ground, where they thrive in sunny spots with well-drained, light and fertile soils, yet those with less hospitable conditions, such as shallow and stony ground or heavy clay, or who are looking to grow in containers, can achieve good results by sowing cultivars with shorter roots.

Sow thinly and keep well watered

Always sow carrots thinly, around 1/2in(1cm) deep. If growing outside, rows should be 6-12in (15-30cm) apart. Be prepared to remove a few seedlings to allow plenty of space for the strongest to fill out, and ensure the soil remains moist at all times.