Seeds Very early Amsterdam Adam carrot - Daucus carota Adam

Amsterdam Adam Carrot (very early) – Daucus carota

Summary

Amsterdam Adam is a very early carrot known for its tender texture and sweet flavour. A great choice for early sowing and quick spring harvests. Perfect for eating raw or lightly cooked.

Origin and botanical family

• Bred in the Netherlands, famous for vegetable selection

• Family: Apiaceae (umbellifers)

• The orange carrot was popularised by Dutch growers in the 17th century

Botanical description

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Habit: upright foliage

• Leaves: finely divided, light green

• Root: straight, cylindrical, 15–18 cm, deep orange

• Very tender and flavourful

Sowing and growing conditions

• Sowing period: from February under cover, March–May outdoors

• Germination temperature: 10–20 °C

• Germination time: 10–20 days

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 2–3 cm between seeds, 15 cm between rows

• Soil: light, sandy, stone-free, neutral pH

• Sun exposure: full sun

• Thinning: at 3–4 leaves, leave 2–3 cm between seedlings

• Watering: regular, especially during dry periods

Care and maintenance

• Mulch after germination to retain moisture

• Weed regularly

• Protect from carrot fly with netting or companion planting

• Avoid fresh manure

Harvest

• Ready: about 65–70 days after sowing

• Best harvested young for tenderness

• Yield: 2–4 kg/m²

• Storage: short-term; keep cool and dark or consume quickly

Garden placement

• Ideal for edges of vegetable beds or raised containers

• Good companions: radish, lettuce, leek

• Avoid planting after other umbellifers

Culinary uses

• Sweet and mild, perfect raw

• Great grated in salads or sliced for snacks

• Excellent in spring soups

• Tip: sow with radish for staggered harvests

Ecology and benefits

• Flowers attract pollinators if left to bolt

• Well suited to permaculture and urban gardening

• Low maintenance and beginner-friendly

Amsterdam Adam is a top choice for early sowing: tasty, quick to harvest, and easy to grow – a favourite in spring gardens.