How can I improve the taste of my carrots?

I grew Autumn King carrots for the first time this year and I have just pulled out the first ones. Although I am happy with the size and colour, I cannot say the same about the taste, which is very...neutral. The carrots that I buy from the supermarket are usually more tasty. What have I done wrong? Here are more details about how I grew them: I sowed in middle March in bags (I found out later that I should choose a smaller variety for growing in bags) because I only have a concrete yard. I sowed in compost and have given them some fish, bones and blood about 4 time during the season. I have watered regularly, although not excessively. I want to grow carrots again next year so any ideas about improving their taste will be appreciated. Could it be because I used compost/fed them?

 

Hi

I think next time use a mix of soil based compost John innes no 3 and you could add some multi purpose just to open up the structure of the soil , bone meal and the like I wouldn't use on carrots as they are very slow to release the nutrients into the soil for the plant to take up and if I did I would use at least 6 weeks before planting the seeds in the spring and would not use again as it may burn the roots and foliage if not put on carefully
A seaweed feed would be ideal , I would also suggest try out a couple of varieties to taste the difference , how deep are the bags ?

Spruce

 

Taste testing is a minefield

I grew Sweet Candle this year as it the favourite of show growers (for flavour too). Family said it was sweet, but lacking in "Carrot flavour". That was taste tested alongside some shop bought ones, and also some regular Nantes that I normally grow.

3 weeks later I repeated the test ... and now they prefer the Sweet Candle (even though I was convinced that the Nantes were still way out in from for "carrotty flavour")

Go figure!

 

Thanks for the input. I think what I'll do next year is try different varieties as well as use a different fertiliser.