This carrot variety is perhaps the most popular among all late varieties. Bred by German breeders, the Red Giant was ideal for cultivation in Russia. Its root crops have universal use, and their size fully justifies the name of the variety.
Characteristics of the variety
Red giant carrots are one of the late-ripening varieties. When planted in May, the root crops can be harvested in August or September. This period is fully compensated by the yield of the variety. It is quite high: from a square meter you can harvest up to 4 kg of carrots.
It is not for nothing that the red giant received such a name. Its red-orange roots can grow up to 25 cm in length and up to 6 cm in diameter. Their average weight will be 150 grams. The shape of the Red Giant resembles an elongated cone with a blunt tip. A cross-section of a carrot reveals a medium-sized core. The red pulp of this variety tastes very sweet and juicy. Due to its vitamin-rich composition, it is very useful for people of any age.
The Red Giant variety is resistant to many diseases and pests. Its distinctive feature is a long shelf life without loss of taste and commercial qualities. In addition, this variety is excellent for planting before winter.
Recommendations for cultivation
The optimal time for planting this carrot variety is late April - early May. It is then that the soil warms up to +10 degrees - the minimum temperature at which carrot seeds can germinate.
The red giant lands as follows:
- Small furrows are made in the garden bed. There should be no more than 20 cm between them, and their depth should not exceed 3 cm. Before planting the seeds, the furrows are shed with warm, settled water.
- When the furrows have absorbed all the water, you can plant the seeds. However, they should not be planted very often. Planting every 4 cm will be the most optimal. After planting, the furrows are covered with earth.
- The bed with the planted seeds can be covered with film or mulched. In this case, the film must be removed after the first shoots appear. It is recommended to leave the mulch until harvest.
This carrot variety is subject to thinning. It is produced in two stages:
- Two weeks after emergence;
- When the diameter of the root crop reaches 2 cm.
Caring for root crops involves regular watering, weeding and hilling. It is possible to apply fertilizers, especially organic ones.
When planting before winter, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- planting is carried out at the end of October at temperatures below +5 degrees;
- planting depth should not exceed 2 cm;
- the surface of the bed is mulched with peat.
The Red Giant harvest, planted before winter, can be harvested as early as mid-June.
