Carrots are a staple in most gardens, but not all carrots are created equal. Among the many varieties available, the Oxheart carrot stands out as a unique and beloved option. With its rich history, distinct characteristics, and ease of growth, the Oxheart carrot has earned its place as a favourite for gardeners worldwide. 

The Oxheart carrot, also known as the Guerande carrot, is a heritage variety originating from France. Unlike the long, slender carrots you may be used to, the Oxheart is short and stout, resembling a heart shape, hence its name. It typically grows to about 5-6 inches long and can be as wide as 3-4 inches, making it a perfect choice for gardeners with heavy or clay soils where traditional carrots might struggle.

Here’s what makes the Oxheart carrot truly special:

• Unique shape: Its stubby, heart like shape makes it ideal for gardens with less than perfect soil conditions, such as rocky or compacted soils.
• Rich flavour: Oxheart carrots are known for their sweet, tender, and mild flavour, making them perfect for fresh eating, roasting, or adding to soups and stews.
• High yield: Despite their smaller size, these carrots produce impressive yields, offering a generous harvest for gardeners.
• Heirloom variety: As a traditional heirloom, growing Oxheart carrots helps preserve biodiversity and connects you to gardening traditions of the past.

Oxheart carrots offer plenty of reasons to make them a part of your garden. Here’s why they’re a gardener’s favorite:

Great for challenging soils: If you’ve struggled to grow long, straight carrots in clay or rocky soil, the Oxheart carrot is your solution. Its stout build allows it to thrive where other varieties struggle.

Space saving option: Because of their shorter size, Oxheart carrots are an excellent choice for small gardens or even container gardening. You don’t need deep soil to grow them successfully.

Cold hardy and versatile: Oxheart carrots are cold hardy and can be grown in a variety of climates. They’re perfect for extending your growing season into cooler months.

Highly nutritious: Like all carrots, the Oxheart variety is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including beta carotene, vitamin A, and potassium.

Low maintenance: These carrots are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great option for gardeners of all experience levels.

How to grow

Growing Oxheart carrots is simple and rewarding, even if you’re new to gardening. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:

Choose the right location

Oxheart carrots grow best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. While they are more forgiving of imperfect soil than other carrot varieties, it’s still a good idea to prepare your soil to ensure optimal growth. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches and remove any large rocks or debris that might impede root development.

Soil Preparation

While Oxheart carrots tolerate clay or rocky soils, they’ll thrive in loose, well draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid adding fresh manure or high nitrogen fertilizers, as these can cause the roots to fork or split. A pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal for carrots.

Planting the seeds

• When to plant: Plant Oxheart carrot seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
• How to plant: Sow the seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Since carrot seeds are small, you may want to mix them with sand to help distribute them evenly.
• Germination: Carrot seeds can be slow to germinate, often taking 2-3 weeks. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to encourage germination.

Watering and care

• Watering: Carrots need consistent moisture, especially during germination and root development. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to rot.
• Thinning: Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to a spacing of 2-3 inches apart. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow to their full size.
• Weeding: Keep the area around your carrots weed free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Be careful when weeding to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.

Harvesting

Oxheart carrots are ready to harvest in about 70-90 days, depending on growing conditions. You can tell they’re ready when the shoulders of the carrots are visible above the soil and measure about 2-3 inches wide. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the roots and pull them out by hand. Avoid using tools that might damage the carrots.

Storing Your Harvest

Oxheart carrots store exceptionally well. After harvesting, remove the green tops to prevent moisture loss and store the roots in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for several months.

We love the Oxheart carrot! With its unique shape, adaptability to challenging soil conditions, and rich, sweet flavour, it’s no wonder this variety has remained a favourite for generations. Whether you’re looking to overcome tough soil, grow something visually striking, or simply enjoy a delicious carrot, the Oxheart carrot is a perfect choice.

Happy planting!