Carrot Rodelika [Daucus carota]

The biennial carrot 'Rodelika' is an early and strong-growing root vegetable with large, long, blunt and smooth-skinned roots and a characteristic sweet carrot flavor. Its valuable ingredients make it ideal for high-quality juices. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing all year round, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting of the roots.

 Description 
The carrot 'Rodelika' is a biennial root vegetable variety and was created in Germany in 1985 through selection from the old Rothild variety in organic cultivation. The vigorous plants form strong, dark green foliage and develop large, long, blunt and smooth-skinned beets with an intense orange-red color. The characteristic carrot flavor is characterized by a strong and very aromatic sweetness. This variety has a high sugar content, low nitrate and high Brix values, which makes it ideal for high-quality juices. Suitable for cultivation on heavy soils and can be stored for a very long time.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -12°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus, stone-free

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 3-20 °C
Germination time: 20-30 days
Plant and row spacing: 4x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 5-6 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Pea, Dill, Lettuce, Garlic, Chard, Lamb's lettuce, Leek, Radish, Onion, Cauliflower
Unfavorable mixed culture: Fennel, Parsley, Parsnip, Celeriac, Celery

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is possible all year round. The plants are ideally placed in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Due to the simple and uncomplicated germination, direct sowing in rows is recommended. The sowing can be done very densely, and by separating the seeds later, the small and too densely growing young carrots can be harvested early to give others the space they need to grow.
Carrot 'Rodelika' ideally prefers a soil that is moist, permeable, nutrient-rich, free of stones and contains plenty of humus and clay. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In principle, carrots can be sown all year round in warm climates. Very cold temperatures only delay growth, which only extends the cultivation period. Carrots do not tolerate fresh fertilizer and the soil must be free of stones larger than 2 cm. Otherwise, the roots may grow in different directions and the quality of the harvest may be significantly impaired. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to add biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Since carrots germinate very slowly, other plants should be removed regularly. Occasional loosening of the soil leads to good growth results. Regular watering results in faster growth with better quality roots. Loosened, nutrient-rich soil and planting in mixed culture is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Daucus carota
English names: Carrot
German names: Möhre, Karotte, Rübe
Portuguese names: Cenoura
Spanish names: Zanahoria
French names: Carotte, La carotte

 Origin 
Country: Portugal