{"product_id":"carrot-autumn-king-2","title":"Carrot Autumn King 2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n\n  * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n  body { padding: 30px 24px 60px; }\n\n  details {\n    border: 1px solid #d8e4c8;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    margin: 16px 0;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    background: #f9fdf5;\n  }\n  summary {\n    cursor: pointer;\n    padding: 14px 18px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: #2c2c2c;\n    background: #eef5e4;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    list-style: none;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 8px;\n    user-select: none;\n  }\n  summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\n  summary::after { content: '＋'; margin-left: auto; color: #5a7e3a; }\n  details[open] summary::after { content: '－'; }\n  details[open] summary { border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0; background: #ddeecb; 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}\n  .swatch-harvest { background: #8a3a10; }\n  .swatch-empty   { background: #e2e2e2; border: 1px solid #bbb; }\n\n  .tip-box {\n    background: #fdf2ec;\n    border: 1px solid #d09070;\n    border-left: 5px solid #8a3a10;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 14px 18px;\n    margin-top: 20px;\n    color: #2a1000;\n  }\n  .tip-box strong { color: #120600; }\n\n  .strapline {\n    font-style: italic;\n    color: #555;\n    margin-bottom: 22px;\n    border-left: 3px solid #8a3a10;\n    padding-left: 14px;\n  }\n  .intro p { margin-bottom: 14px; color: #333; }\n\n  .closing-box {\n    background: #f0f6e8;\n    border: 1px solid #c5dea8;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    padding: 20px 24px;\n    margin-top: 24px;\n  }\n  .closing-box h3 { margin-bottom: 8px; color: #2c4a1a; }\n  .closing-box p  { color: #333; margin-bottom: 8px; }\n  .closing-box a  { color: #2c4a8a; font-weight: 700; }\n\n  hr.section { border: none; border-top: 1px solid #ddeecb; margin: 28px 0; }\n\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eCarrot 'Autumn King 2' Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"strapline\"\u003eLong, broad-shouldered, deeply flavoured, and one of the hardiest roots in the kitchen garden. Sow in spring and harvest right through winter, straight from the frozen ground to the roasting tin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"intro\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf Paris Market is the carrot for difficult soils and small spaces, 'Autumn King 2' is its opposite in every way — and proud of it. This is a carrot of genuine substance: long, blunt-tipped roots of impressive breadth that taper gradually to a sturdy point, with shoulders of deep, rich orange and a core that is proportionally smaller than most long-rooted varieties of comparable size. It is the carrot of the Sunday roast, the winter stew, and the kind of harvest that fills a trug and makes you feel genuinely accomplished at having grown it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed for its exceptional keeping quality in the ground through autumn and deep into winter, 'Autumn King 2' is one of the hardiest and most frost-tolerant carrot varieties available to British gardeners. Unlike earlier-maturing varieties that deteriorate quickly in cold wet ground, these roots remain in outstanding condition through October, November, December, and often well into January — standing quietly in the bed, deepening in flavour with each frost, ready to be pulled on demand as the kitchen requires them. For a household that cooks with carrots regularly through winter, this is genuinely one of the most useful and satisfying crops in the entire kitchen garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"section\"\u003e\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 1: Understanding the Plant --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🌿 Understanding the Plant\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003esativus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Autumn King 2' is a \u003cstrong\u003eHardy Annual\u003c\/strong\u003e belonging to the Flakkee or Autumn King group — a classification of large, late-maturing, broad-shouldered carrots developed in the Netherlands in the early 20th century specifically for their exceptional yield, storage quality, and cold hardiness. 'Autumn King 2' is an improved selection of the original Autumn King variety, offering more consistent root formation and better disease resistance while retaining all the characteristics that made the original a British kitchen garden staple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maincrop Distinction:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Autumn King 2' is a maincrop carrot — sown from spring, it develops through summer and reaches its full size and finest flavour in autumn. Unlike early varieties bred for rapid maturity and delicate, sweet flavour, maincrop varieties like this one are bred for size, yield, storage quality, and depth of flavour. The roots are substantially larger — typically 20–25cm long and 4–5cm across at the shoulder — and the flavour is richer, more complex, and more robustly carrot-like than the mild sweetness of early types. They are the carrots that make a roasting tray smell magnificent and a winter soup taste deeply satisfying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrost Hardiness \u0026amp; In-Ground Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The defining quality of 'Autumn King 2' — and the reason for its name — is its exceptional ability to stand in the ground through hard autumn and winter weather without deteriorating. While most vegetables require lifting and storing before the first hard frosts, these roots can remain in the ground safely through temperatures well below freezing, protected by the surrounding soil. The cold actually improves flavour — the same starch-to-sugar conversion that sweetens parsnips and leeks after frost works equally on 'Autumn King 2', producing progressively sweeter, more complex roots as winter deepens. This makes the vegetable bed its own larder from October through to January.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike Paris Market's shallow requirement, 'Autumn King 2' needs \u003cstrong\u003edeep, well-prepared, stone-free soil\u003c\/strong\u003e of at least 30cm to develop its long, straight roots without forking or splitting. This is non-negotiable — a single stone at depth will cause forking, and shallow or compacted ground will produce stunted, misshapen roots regardless of variety. Deep, well-cultivated raised beds or border soil that has been double-dug and enriched with aged compost are the ideal growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 2: Growing Guide --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🌱 Growing Guide\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Autumn King 2' rewards careful soil preparation above everything else — invest the time in getting the bed right before sowing and the rest follows naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrepare the bed deeply — fork or dig to at least 30cm, removing every stone larger than a marble. Incorporate well-rotted compost or leaf mould worked into the lower layers, but avoid fresh manure which causes forking. Rake to a fine, even tilth before sowing. If your natural soil is shallow or stony, a deep raised bed of at least 35–40cm filled with a sandy loam or vegetable compost mix will give consistently excellent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow directly outdoors from \u003cstrong\u003eMarch to June\u003c\/strong\u003e — carrots must be direct-sown as they cannot be transplanted. Sow thinly in drills approximately 1cm deep and 25–30cm apart. Mixing the fine seed with dry sand helps distribute it more evenly along the drill and reduces the need for thinning. Germination takes \u003cstrong\u003e14–21 days\u003c\/strong\u003e and requires consistent moisture throughout — cover with fleece or glass until germination occurs to retain warmth and moisture. Thin seedlings progressively to 7–8cm apart as they develop, eating the thinnings as baby carrots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the bed weed-free throughout the long growing season — the slow-growing carrot seedlings cannot compete with established weeds in the early weeks. Water during dry spells to prevent root cracking. Cover with fine insect mesh immediately after sowing and maintain throughout the season to exclude carrot fly completely — this single measure is the most effective and reliable protection available. As roots begin to develop, a small amount of shoulder may appear above soil level; cover with a little soil to prevent greening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoots are ready from \u003cstrong\u003eAugust onwards\u003c\/strong\u003e, but 'Autumn King 2' is at its very best left in the ground through October, November, and December — the flavour deepens and sweetens with each successive frost. Lift as needed with a fork, working carefully to avoid snapping the long roots. In areas with very wet winters or heavy clay soil, lifting the entire crop in November and storing in boxes of slightly damp sand in a cool shed will preserve quality through midwinter. In free-draining or sandy soils, roots can safely remain in the ground until \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary or February\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 3: Plant Specifications --\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e📋 Plant Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003esativus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Autumn King 2'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarrot 'Autumn King 2' \/ Maincrop Carrot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardy Annual\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eH5 — Very hardy; roots stand in frozen ground through winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull Sun \/ Light Shade ☀️⛅\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–45cm feathery tops\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoot Shape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLong, broad-shouldered, blunt-tipped — 20–25cm length, 4–5cm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Soil Depth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30cm deep, stone-free — deep raised beds or well-cultivated borders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpacing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThin to 7–8cm apart; rows 25–30cm apart\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSowing Method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect sow only — does not transplant\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDays to First Harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 120–140 days from sowing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHarvest Period\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAugust to February (best from October after first frosts)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlavour Profile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRich, robust, and deeply sweet — intensifies significantly after autumn frosts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeeds per Packet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 500 seeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"perfect-for-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-rust\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🥕\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eWinter Roasting \u0026amp; Hearty Soups\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-green\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e❄️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eIn-Ground Winter Storage\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-teal\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🌿\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eDeep Raised Beds \u0026amp; Prepared Borders\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-amber\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🔄\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eSuccession Growing Alongside Paris Market\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pf-box pf-slate\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pf-icon\"\u003e🏆\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"pf-label\"\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit Variety\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 4: Garden Combinations --\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Autumn King 2' occupies its bed from spring right through to winter — these companions from our range make productive use of the surrounding space while protecting the long-season crop:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"companion-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"orange\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌼\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Nasturtium Tom Thumb Seeds\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/nasturtium-tom-thumb-seeds\"\u003eNasturtium 'Tom Thumb'\u003c\/a\u003e: The Carrot Fly Barrier.\u003c\/strong\u003e Nasturtiums are one of the most consistently recommended companions for all carrot varieties, and are particularly valuable for a long-season maincrop like 'Autumn King 2' — their aromatic foliage provides deterrence during the main carrot fly egg-laying flights of May–June and again in August, both of which fall squarely within this variety's growing window. Their compact habit means they fill the edges and path sides of the carrot bed without ever shading the developing roots, and their vivid summer flowers bring colour and pollinator activity to what can otherwise be a fairly plain patch of feathery carrot tops through the long summer months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"amber\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🧡\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Calendula Art Shades Mixed Seeds\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/calendula-art-shades-mixed-seeds\"\u003eCalendula 'Art Shades Mixed'\u003c\/a\u003e: The Root Protector.\u003c\/strong\u003e Calendula is an outstanding companion for maincrop carrots over a long season — its sticky roots actively deter the soil nematodes and wireworms that tunnel into developing carrot roots from summer through to autumn, and its sustained flowering from June to October keeps a continuous population of beneficial hoverflies and parasitic wasps around the bed. The warm apricot and amber tones of Art Shades make a beautiful edging to the carrot rows throughout the summer and autumn, and the edible flowers remain useful in the kitchen right up to the point when the first Autumn King roots are ready to harvest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"blue\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌼\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Borage Seeds\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/borage-seeds\"\u003eBorage\u003c\/a\u003e: The Biodiversity Anchor.\u003c\/strong\u003e Borage planted at the end of carrot rows sustains a lively, beneficial insect habitat around the bed from early summer through to October — well into the Autumn King's growing season. Its deep taproot mines minerals from the lower soil layers that benefit the carrot roots growing alongside it, and its prolific blue flowers provide high-value nectar for bees and hoverflies throughout the season. It is also one of the most structurally satisfying companions for a long carrot bed in full growth — the bold, rough-textured foliage and loose blue flowers of Borage creating a natural, lived-in end stop to the neat, feathery carrot rows beside it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"green\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"companion-emoji\"\u003e🌿\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Basil Classic Italian Seeds\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/basil-classic-italian-seeds\"\u003eBasil Classic Italian\u003c\/a\u003e: The Summer Aromatic Deterrent.\u003c\/strong\u003e Basil planted near carrots during the summer growing season is believed to deter carrot fly through its powerful aromatic oils, particularly during the June to August period when the second generation of fly is most active. On the plate, roasted 'Autumn King 2' with olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil — the carrots deeply caramelised, the basil bright and fragrant — is one of the most satisfying late-summer vegetable dishes the kitchen garden produces, bridging the season from the warm abundance of August into the richer, sturdier cooking of autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- DROPDOWN 5: Sowing \u0026 Harvesting Calendar --\u003e\n\u003cdetails open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e📅 Sowing \u0026amp; Harvesting Calendar\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dropdown-body\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"calendar-intro\"\u003eSow direct in spring for a long, patient growing season — then leave the roots in the ground through the frosts of autumn and winter, harvesting on demand as the flavour deepens and sweetens with every cold spell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"calendar-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"calendar-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-label\"\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eFeb\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eMar\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eApr\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eMay\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJun\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eJul\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eAug\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eSep\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eOct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eNov\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"cal-month\"\u003eDec\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c!-- Sow Direct: Mar–Jun --\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-label\"\u003e🌱 Sow Direct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow mid\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow mid\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-sow last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c!-- Harvest: Aug–Feb (wrapping calendar year) --\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-label\"\u003e🥕 Harvest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest first-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest mid\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest mid\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest mid\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"cal-cell cal-harvest last-active\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-sow\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSow Direct Outdoors\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-harvest\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHarvest\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cal-legend-item\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"cal-swatch swatch-empty\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNot active\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e✨ Deep Soil \u0026amp; Mesh Protection Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo things matter most with 'Autumn King 2'. First, soil preparation is everything — every stone or compacted layer at depth will cause forking and splitting in these long roots. Take the time to dig deeply, remove every stone, and incorporate aged compost well below the surface before sowing. This single investment in preparation transforms results more than any other intervention. Second, cover immediately with fine insect mesh and keep it on throughout the entire season — carrot fly has two distinct egg-laying flights, one in May–June and one in August, both of which fall within this variety's long growing window. Mesh excludes both generations completely, without chemicals, and the peace of mind it provides for a crop that takes four to five months to mature is genuinely worth it.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- CLOSING --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"closing-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🏆 RHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDaucus carota\u003c\/em\u003e 'Autumn King 2' holds the prestigious \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit\u003c\/strong\u003e — a recognition that reflects decades of outstanding, consistent performance in British kitchen gardens. It is the benchmark maincrop carrot against which all late-season varieties are measured: reliably large, robustly flavoured, genuinely frost-hardy in the ground, and deeply satisfying to grow. Pair it with Paris Market for a season of continuous carrot harvests from June right through to February — the two varieties together give a complete, uninterrupted carrot supply that no single variety can match alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📖 \u003cstrong\u003eWant more detailed growing advice?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/blogs\/growing-guides\"\u003eView our Complete Growing Guide →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53657055068493,"sku":"CRT-AK2","price":1.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6961\/6973\/files\/Autumn_King_1.png?v=1775572745","url":"https:\/\/thefoalyard.co.uk\/products\/carrot-autumn-king-2","provider":"The Foalyard","version":"1.0","type":"link"}