Two smiling children with Manpukuji Carrots on a white background.
A smiling boy holds up a huge Manpukuji Carrot in the Walipini at Baker Creek.
Manpukuji Carrots with bunnies
Manpukuji Carrots from up high
Two smiling children with Manpukuji Carrots on a white background.
A smiling boy holds up a huge Manpukuji Carrot in the Walipini at Baker Creek.
Manpukuji Carrots with bunnies
Manpukuji Carrots from up high

Carrot Seeds,
Manpukuji

4.315 Reviews#CR138 · 300 seeds
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Description

(Daucus carota). Believe it or not—this carrot was shaped by monks, not markets. In Kyoto Prefecture, at the historic Manpuku-ji temple, vegetarian Buddhist monks required large, nourishing vegetables to sustain their communal way of life, and from this need came careful selection for both immense size and exceptional flavor. Descended from ancient Edo-period long-root carrots, Manpukuji plunges 2 to 6 feet into deep, loose soil, drawing up minerals and developing a clean, rich sweetness that intensifies as the weather cools. For premium quality, it must be sown in late summer and grown through autumn into winter, just as it has been for generations in Kyoto’s temple gardens. This region is famed for its Kyoyasai—traditional vegetables revered for flavor, beauty, and their connection to health and longevity—and Manpukuji stands among the most remarkable of them. Hundreds of years ago, devoted brothers quietly nourished themselves on these steadfast, righteous roots, and today growers of all backgrounds continue to rediscover their value, both culinary and cultural. Whether prepared traditionally in namasu for the New Year or enjoyed fresh from the garden, this carrot offers more than sustenance—it offers a living link to history, a bold visual spectacle, and a deeply satisfying harvest unlike anything else in the carrot world.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Daucus carota
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–18
Days to Maturity
70–80
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
2–3 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Manpukuji carrots should be sown from early spring to mid-summer, depending on your location. In temperate regions, sow from March to July. For areas with milder winters, you can also plant in late summer for a fall harvest. Ensure soil temperatures are above 50 F for the best germination rates. For fall sowing, plant about 10-12 weeks before the first expected frost. 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

Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as they can cause the carrots to fork. Sow seeds directly into the soil in rows spaced about 12 inches apart. 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. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep and thin the seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they are a few inches tall. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which can take 12-18 days.

How to Grow

As the plants grow, water deeply to encourage the development of long roots. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. Regular thinning is crucial to ensure that each carrot has enough space to grow large and straight. Avoid excessive fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, to prevent forking.

How to Save Seeds

Carrots are biennial plants, meaning they flower and produce seeds in their second year. To save seeds, leave a few plants in the ground over winter. In spring, they will flower and eventually produce seeds. Once the seed heads have dried, collect and store them in a cool, dry place. Note that carrots can cross-pollinate with wild carrots, so for pure seeds, ensure no wild relatives are nearby.

FAQ

What is the ideal spacing for Manpukuji carrots?

Thin the plants to about 2-3 inches apart to allow the roots to grow without competition.

What pests affect Manpukuji carrots?

Carrot flies are the main concern. Use row covers or grow the carrots in raised beds over 1 meter high to reduce the risk.

When can I harvest Manpukuji carrots?

These carrots typically take 10-12 weeks to mature. Harvest when they reach the desired size, usually around 2 feet in length.

Browse our full range of carrot seeds.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Absurdly long roots: Roots of 16 to 21 inches; one reached over 30 inches.

  • A family project: Kids love the reveal; many grow them every year now.

  • Mostly sweet and crisp: Sweet and tender for most; a few found them woody or bland.

  • Faster than expected: Matured sooner than expected, ahead of other carrot types.

  • Growing tips: Needs deep, loose soil; dig them out rather than pulling.

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