Three Chantenay Red Core Carrots stacked on top of one another with sliced carrots surround on a white background.
Chantenay Red Core Carrots with slices and juice.
A gardener holding whole and halved Chantenay Red Core Carrots.
Three Chantenay Red Core Carrots stacked on top of one another with sliced carrots surround on a white background.
Chantenay Red Core Carrots with slices and juice.
A gardener holding whole and halved Chantenay Red Core Carrots.

Carrot Seeds,
Chantenay Red Core

4.228 Reviews#CR111 · 800 seeds
Price
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Description

(Daucus carota). From the old market gardens of France comes a carrot bred for beauty, flavor, and real-world growing—short, strong, and full of character. The Chantenay type traces back to the fertile Chantenay region near Nantes, where growers needed a carrot that could thrive in heavier soils and still deliver refined flavor to bustling city markets. This “Red Core” strain, introduced in 1929, represents the peak of that tradition—dense, broad-shouldered roots with a rich red-orange color and a sweetness that carries a subtle floral note, especially when juiced. Unlike the long, slender types, this carrot was built for reliability—easy to pull, resistant to poor soils, and consistent in size and quality. It quickly became a staple in both European and American gardens, valued not just for yield, but for flavor that feels both grounded and elegant. Smooth, rich, and quietly luxurious, this is a carrot that carries the soul of the old French markets into every harvest.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Daucus carota
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–18
Days to Maturity
75
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
2–3 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Chantenay Red Core carrots are best grown as a cool-season crop. You should plant them in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Ideal soil temperatures for germination range from 50 F to 75 F. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly in the garden about 1/8 inch deep. Carrot seeds are small, so mix them with sand for easier sowing. After germination, thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart to allow room for the roots to develop properly. Avoid soils with large clumps or rocks that can cause the roots to split or grow deformed​. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution.

How to Grow

Full sun is ideal, but Chantenay Red Core carrot can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period. Carrots require about 1 inch of water per week. Mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature, which is beneficial during hot weather​.

How to Save Seeds

Carrots are biennials, meaning they flower in their second season of growth. They are insect-pollinated and require isolation from other carrot varieties to ensure pure seed. To collect seeds, leave a few carrots in the ground over winter, as each plant produces a significant amount of seed. In the following season, these plants will produce an umbel of flowers. Allow the umbels to remain on the plant until they are completely dry, at which point the seeds can be easily shaken off and stored in refrigeration for up to three years.

FAQ

Can I grow Chantenay Red Core carrots in containers?

Yes, these carrots can be grown in deep containers (at least 12 inches). Make sure the soil is loose and well-draining to allow the roots to develop properly.

How long do Chantenay Red Core carrots take to mature?

These carrots typically mature in about 75 days, depending on growing conditions.

Are Chantenay Red Core carrots suitable for heavy clay soils?

Yes, Chantenay Red Core carrots are particularly well-suited for heavier soils where longer carrot varieties might struggle. Their shorter, more robust roots are less likely to fork or split in compacted soils.

Browse our full range of carrot seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 28 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet and crunchy: Sweet and crisp raw; not woody even when oversized.

  • Easy to start: Quick, reliable germination, even for first-timers.

  • Thrives in heavy soil: Short, stout roots push through clay and rocky soil.

  • Stout, uniform roots: Thick, straight roots with little forking; some grow huge.

  • Heads up: Slow to size up; expect more days than the packet lists.

More to grow!

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