Nantes Carrot
Yaya is an F1 hybrid carrot that matures in roughly 60 days, though some sources report a range of 56 to 70 days depending on growing conditions. This Nelson-type variety produces compact roots that are surprisingly sweet and tender when harvested at the ½ to ¾ inch diameter stage. Built for reliability and consistent performance, Yaya thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, making it a dependable choice for gardeners seeking both speed and quality in a single planting.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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Yaya's real appeal lies in its compact growth habit paired with a surprisingly quick harvest window. The roots develop their peak sweetness at a smaller size than many carrot varieties, which means you can enjoy tender harvests without waiting for massive roots to develop. As an F1 hybrid, it delivers the genetic vigor and uniformity that makes succession planting straightforward, sow every two weeks for continuous yields throughout the season.
Yaya carrots are at their best eaten fresh and raw, particularly when harvested young at their ideal tender stage. Their compact size and sweetness make them excellent for snacking straight from the garden, chopping into salads, or featuring in light vegetable dishes where delicate carrot flavor shines through. They're also suitable candidates for light cooking preparations that preserve their natural sweetness.
Sow Yaya seeds outdoors in full sun once danger of hard frost has passed in spring. Create a shallow furrow and sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them roughly ½ inch apart in rows spaced 9 inches apart, or broadcast thinly in prepared beds and cover lightly. Keep the seedbed evenly moist as carrots germinate slowly, typically emerging over 10 to 20 days. If your first sowing emerges unevenly, replant immediately since seedlings catch up quickly.
Yaya carrots are sweetest and most tender when harvested at ½ to ¾ inches in diameter. Before pulling, irrigate the soil thoroughly to ensure roots have absorbed maximum moisture, which improves both flavor and ease of extraction. For smaller roots at this ideal stage, grip the carrot firmly at the base of the foliage, push down gently, then twist as you pull upward. Harvest in stages as carrots reach maturity to extend your harvest window over several weeks rather than all at once.
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