Kyoto Red carrots with jello on and foliage on a white background.
Kyoto Red Carrots with chopped carrots on a plate on a white background.
Jellied Kyoto Red Carrots with whole and sliced carrots on a ceramic serving platter.
Kyoto Red Carrot with slices and shaves
Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red
Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red
Kyoto Red carrots with jello on and foliage on a white background.
Kyoto Red Carrots with chopped carrots on a plate on a white background.
Jellied Kyoto Red Carrots with whole and sliced carrots on a ceramic serving platter.
Kyoto Red Carrot with slices and shaves
Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red
Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red

Carrot Seeds,
Kyoto Red

3.648 Reviews#CR132 · 300 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.25
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.25
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Description

(Daucus carota). Straight out of Kyoto’s winter gardens comes a carrot so sweet it feels almost unreal. Traditionally served during Japanese New Year celebrations, these long, crimson roots develop their finest flavor in the cold—growing richer, deeper, and more complex as temperatures drop. The taste? Its silky texture and exceptional sweetness are touched with a subtle hint of watermelon. Roasted, grilled, juiced, or eaten fresh, this is a carrot with truly standout flavor. In winter growing, nothing we’ve tried comes close. A true seasonal masterpiece—and quite possibly the best-tasting carrot on the planet.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Daucus carota
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–18
Days to Maturity
70–90
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
2–3 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

The ideal time to plant Kyoto Red carrots is in late summer to early fall. This variety thrives when planted for winter harvests, as exposure to light frosts enhances its sweetness and flavor. The carrots are quite frost-hardy, meaning they can survive and even benefit from freezing conditions. This makes them a perfect choice for gardeners looking to extend their growing season into the colder months. The timing allows the carrots to develop fully in cool weather, which is critical for achieving their characteristic rich taste. 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 Kyoto Red carrot seeds about 1/8 inch deep in rows that are spaced 12-18 inches apart. It's important to thin the seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they have grown a few inches tall. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to smaller or misshapen carrots. 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. The seeds typically take 12-18 days to germinate. Ensuring proper spacing and depth at planting will help the carrots develop long, straight roots, characteristic of this variety.

How to Grow

Regular thinning will ensure that each carrot has enough space to develop properly. Mulching is recommended to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which can otherwise compete with the carrots for nutrients. Consider using row covers or planting alongside companion plants like onions or leeks to deter carrot flies. When it comes to harvesting, wait until the carrots reach about 10-12 inches in length, typically after 70-90 days. Cooler temperatures, particularly after the first frost, will bring out the best flavor in these carrots.

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 Kyoto Red carrots handle frost?

Yes, Kyoto Red carrots are frost-tolerant and can even develop a sweeter flavor after exposure to light frost, making them ideal for winter harvesting.

How long do Kyoto Red carrots take to mature?

These carrots typically reach maturity in 70 to 90 days.

What is the best time for harvesting Kyoto Red carrots?

The optimal time for harvesting is after the first frost, but they can be picked anytime they reach their full size, which is about 10 to 16 inches long.

Browse our full range of carrot seeds.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 48 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet and crisp: Noticeably sweeter than orange types; kids snack on them raw.

  • Deep red color: Rich crimson roots that hold their color when cooked.

  • Long roots: Very long roots; give deep, loose soil or they fork.

  • A keeper: Many call it the best carrot they have grown.

  • Sow in midsummer: Spring sowings bolt; plant July to September for fall harvest.

More to grow!

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