Carrot Géante de Tilques - Organic Seeds

Giant Carrot 'Géante de Tilques' – Robust and Winter-Hardy

The Géante de Tilques is an old, regional carrot variety from Tilques, France. This late-ripening variety is known for its exceptional winter hardiness and impressive size. The cylindrical-conical roots can reach lengths of 20 to 30 cm and have a deep orange-red flesh with an intense, aromatic flavor. Thanks to its robustness, this carrot is ideal for autumn and winter cultivation.

Growing Tips for the Giant Carrot 'Géante de Tilques'
Sowing
Early cultivation: Sow from February under cover, such as a tunnel or cold frame.
Summer and storage cultivation: Sow directly in the ground between May and July, in rows with a spacing of 30 cm.
Cover the seeds with about 1 cm of soil, press the soil down firmly, and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge.
Thinning: Once the seedlings have 3-4 leaves, thin to 5 cm. After two weeks, thin again to 7-10 cm, depending on the final size of the roots.
Care
Choose well-drained, organically rich soil. Carrots grow best in light, sandy soil with a sunny location.
Regularly remove any flower stems to direct energy toward root growth.
Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Harvesting and Storing
The Géante de Tilques can be harvested after 120 to 140 days. This variety tolerates cold temperatures well and can stay in the ground until late in the season.
For storage: Cut the foliage just above the root and leave them to dry on the ground for one day. Store the unwashed roots in a cool, dry cellar or a storage pit.
Regularly check for rot and remove any affected roots to protect the rest of the harvest.
Helpful Tips
Carrot varieties in different colors (purple, yellow, white) are less affected by carrot fly.
Soaking or pre-cooling the seeds can accelerate germination but is not necessary.
The Giant Carrot 'Géante de Tilques' combines impressive size with rich flavor and excellent storage ability, making it an excellent choice for the vegetable garden.