Carrots as a cultivated plant have been grown for about 2000 years. During this period, she surprised the farmers not only with a bulk crop, but also with an impressive size. Some fruits, like absolute record holders, fell into the Guinness Book of Records. Consider the top 3 largest root crops in history.
Top 3 largest carrots in history
Giant carrots became a miracle grown from official varieties in ordinary soil:
- The largest carrot in the world was grown by a farmer from America Christopher Qually. The weight of the root crop was 10.8 kg. The owner of the largest carrot noted that the success of such growth is due to the correct soil, seeds, weather and a bit of luck. The root crop of the American ahead of the previous record holder by 1.6 kg and matured to such volumes for as long as 2 years.
- In the late 90's. last century a resident of Alaska, John Evans was able to grow a fruit weighing 8.5 kg. Interestingly, John became the owner of several more records: he grew the heaviest broccoli and the largest cabbage.
- The longest carrots were grown by Briton Joe Atherton. Its length was 5.84 m. The farmer managed to grow it in accordance with all tastes.
Did you know? The largest artificial carrot is in the small town of Ohakuna (New Zealand). The sculpture "Big Carrot" 7.5 m high was installed at the entrance to the city in recognition of the fact that the highest yields of this culture are grown here.
The largest varieties
There are several varieties of carrots available that, with stable care and top dressing, also reach incredible sizes and retain taste:
- Canada F1. The weight of one fruit is 200–250 g, and the length approaches 15–17 cm. This hybrid has a long shelf life and high yield.
- Nandrin F1. This hybrid was developed by Holland specialists. Carrots are intended for planting on any type of soil. Its dimensions reach 20–22 cm in length and weight is 200 g. Popularity among gardeners is due to the lack of a core and endurance in conditions of high humidity.
- Nantes-4. The variety is characterized by high productivity and a high content of vitamins. When harvesting, one root crop reaches a length of 17–18 cm with a weight of 200 g. Cultivation is adapted to any type of climate.
- Losinoostrovskaya. A universal variety of carrots intended for planting in early summer. The weight of one fruit is 150–200 g, and the average length is 15 cm. Despite the fact that this carrot is inferior to many hybrids by weight, its diameter reaches 5–6 cm.
- Amsterdam. An early ripe variety of carrots, which is suitable for cultivation in conditions of low temperature. When fully ripened, it reaches 17–18 cm in length and 180–200 g in weight. The variety is distinguished by a long shelf life and stable taste.
- Shantane. One of the largest bred hybrids. Under conditions of proper watering and care, the weight of the vegetable reached 580 g with a length of 27 cm. However, Shantane is poorly resistant to pests and requires regular spraying with protective agents.
- Yellow. The root crop is intended only for canning and use in processed form. It is characterized by high productivity and reaches a weight of 400-500 g.
- White. Another type of carrot with a specific smell and taste. When ripening, the mass of the fruit reaches 350–400 g. Special conditions for such growth consist in abundant watering, top dressing and regular loosening of the soil.
For a good harvest of carrots, the advice of experienced agronomists should be considered. With proper care, you can get a rich harvest of sweet, crunchy and extremely large vegetables, which will make it possible to make a large supply of preparations for the winter.Important! When buying seeds of foreign hybrids, it is worth making a choice in favor of reliable producers, because when storing seeds for more than a year, planting material loses its ability to grow.