Carrots for the whole winter – without cellar drama. Berlikumer 2 Perfekcja is a late, high-yielding variety from the Berlikumer group: the root is cylindrical, blunt-ended, with dark orange flesh and skin, and is not prone to cracking. It grows for 140–160 days, which is why it stores so well – in a cool cellar, it remains firm and juicy until spring.

In brief

• Type: late carrot, Berlikumer type
• Root: cylindrical, dark orange, non-cracking
• Direct sowing: April (for summer and autumn), May (for storage)
• Harvest: September – October
• Position: sunny, light and deeply loosened soil
• Difficulty: easy – a vegetable garden classic
• Seeds per packet: approx. 4000 (5 g)

What makes this variety stand out

Perfekcja is one of the most reliable late carrots in Polish gardens. The Berlikumer type produces long, uniform, cylindrical roots with a small core that peel neatly and cut evenly – they look good both on the plate and in a jar. The variety is high-yielding, uniform and relatively resistant to cracking after heavy rain, which is especially important for late carrots harvested in October.

Its greatest advantage is its storage life: roots harvested in autumn keep for many months in a cellar or clamp without wilting or losing their flavour. They can also withstand brief frosts down to –2/–3°C while still in the ground.

Growing step by step

Sowing (April – May, directly into the ground): sow in April for a summer and autumn harvest, and in May for winter storage. Sow the seeds thinly in rows 30–40 cm apart, 1–2 cm deep, in light soil that was deeply dug over in autumn (fresh manure in spring causes forked roots). Seedlings emerge after 2–3 weeks – during this time, do not allow the soil to crust over.

Thinning: when the seedlings are 2–3 cm tall, thin them to 5–8 cm apart within the row. Do this in the evening or after rain, and immediately cover the row with soil so that the smell of crushed leaves does not attract the carrot rust fly.

Care during the season: weed regularly (carrots grow slowly in the first weeks and are easily outcompeted), loosen the soil between rows and water evenly – alternating drought and heavy rain is the most common cause of cracked roots. Cover any green shoulders with soil.

Harvesting and storage: for storage, harvest late, in October, on a dry day, preferably after light frosts, which increase sweetness. Cut off the foliage right at the crown, do not wash the roots, and place them in boxes of damp sand at a temperature of 0–4°C.

Uses

This carrot is ideal for winter storage and everyday cooking: soups, salads, slaws, roasted vegetables and preserving in jars. Its dark flesh produces an intensely coloured juice, while the large, uniform roots are easy to peel and grate. In the garden, it grows well alongside onions and leeks – their scent discourages the carrot rust fly, while the carrots deter onion thrips in return.

Gardener’s tip

Specifications