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Chantenay Red Core Carrot

Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Core'

A robust French heirloom carrot perfect for heavy or shallow soils where longer varieties struggle. These broad-shouldered, conical carrots develop exceptional sweetness and a distinctive deep orange color throughout, making them ideal for fresh eating and storage. Their sturdy 5-6 inch length and excellent keeping quality have made them a favorite since the 1920s.

Harvest

65-75d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Difficulty

Moderate

🌱

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Chantenay Red Core Carrot in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 root-vegetable →

Zone Map

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Chantenay Red Core Carrot · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing2-3 inches

SoilDeep, loose, sandy loam free of stones and clods

pH6.0-6.8

Water1 inch per week, deep consistent watering

SeasonCool season

FlavorSweet, crisp, and tender with rich carrot flavor

ColorDeep orange throughout with bright orange core

Size5-6 inches long, 2-3 inches wide at shoulder

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	July – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	July – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	June – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	May – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	May – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	April – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	March – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Small, dry, and ribbed with bristly hairs. The compound umbel of fruits folds inward to form a roundish shape that can be blown by the wind and roll across the ground dropping seeds.

Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds are edible. The young fleshy roots can be cooked or eaten raw, the flower clusters can be french-fried to produce a carrot-flavored dish, the aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews, etc. The dried roasted roots are ground into a powder and are used for making coffee.

Storage & Preservation

Remove green tops immediately after harvest, leaving ¼ inch of stem to prevent bleeding. Brush off soil but don't wash until ready to use. Store unwashed Chantenay Red Core carrots in the refrigerator in perforated plastic bags for 2-4 months—their excellent keeping quality is one of their standout features.

For longer storage, layer carrots in slightly damp sand or sawdust in a cool (32-35°F), humid root cellar where they'll keep 4-6 months. These carrots freeze exceptionally well: blanch whole small carrots for 3 minutes or cut larger ones into coins and blanch 2 minutes, then freeze in portions. They're also excellent for canning in pressure canners and make superior carrot juice due to their intense sweetness and deep color. Dehydrate thin slices at 125°F for healthy snacks that retain much of their natural sweetness.

History & Origin

Origin: Europe, Eastern Asia and northern Africa

Advantages

+Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators
+Edible: Leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds are edible. The young fleshy roots can be cooked or eaten raw, the flower clusters can be french-fried to produce a carrot-flavored dish, the aromatic seed is used as a flavoring in stews, etc. The dried roasted roots are ground into a powder and are used for making coffee.
+Fast-growing

Considerations

-Toxic (Leaves, Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis
-High maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels carrot flies and aphids while improving carrot flavor

Leeks

Repels carrot flies and root maggots through strong scent compounds

Rosemary

Deters carrot flies, cabbage moths, and other pests with aromatic oils

Sage

Repels carrot flies and root flies while attracting beneficial insects

Lettuce

Shallow roots don't compete, provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Radishes

Breaks up compacted soil for carrot root development and deters flea beetles

Marigolds

Repels nematodes and carrot flies through root secretions and scent

Tomatoes

Provides partial shade and may improve carrot flavor when planted nearby

Keep Apart

Dill

Attracts carrot flies when mature and can cross-pollinate with carrots

Parsnips

Competes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like carrot weevils

Coriander

Can attract carrot flies and may inhibit carrot seed germination

Nutrition Facts

Calories

41kcal(2%)

Protein

0.93g(2%)

Fiber

2.8g(10%)

Carbs

9.58g(3%)

Fat

0.24g(0%)

Vitamin C

5.9mg(7%)

Vitamin A

835mcg(93%)

Vitamin K

13.2mcg(11%)

Iron

0.3mg(2%)

Calcium

33mg(3%)

Potassium

320mg(7%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170393)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good tolerance to splitting and cracking

Common Pests

Carrot rust fly, wireworms, aphids

Diseases

Alternaria leaf blight, bacterial soft rot, aster yellows

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Chantenay Red Core carrots take to grow?▼

Chantenay Red Core carrots take 65-75 days from seed to harvest. In cooler climates or early spring plantings, they may take up to 80 days to reach full size. The exact timing depends on soil temperature, moisture, and growing conditions, but you'll see the characteristic broad shoulders developing around 50-60 days.

Can you grow Chantenay Red Core carrots in containers?▼

Yes, Chantenay Red Core carrots are excellent for container growing due to their shorter, broader shape. Use containers at least 8-10 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Their compact size makes them ideal for pots, window boxes, or raised beds where longer varieties would struggle. Ensure good drainage and consistent moisture.

Are Chantenay Red Core carrots good for beginners?▼

Chantenay Red Core carrots are moderately beginner-friendly. They're more forgiving of soil conditions than long varieties and have good disease resistance. However, they do require proper soil preparation, consistent watering, and diligent thinning. Beginners often succeed better with these than with finicky long varieties, especially in challenging soils.

What do Chantenay Red Core carrots taste like?▼

Chantenay Red Core carrots have a sweet, rich carrot flavor with excellent crispness and tender texture. They're notably sweeter than many modern varieties, especially after cold exposure. The deep orange color throughout indicates high beta-carotene content, contributing to their intense, classic carrot taste that's perfect for both raw eating and cooking.

When should I plant Chantenay Red Core carrot seeds?▼

Plant Chantenay Red Core seeds in early spring, 2-3 weeks before your last frost date when soil temperatures reach 45-50°F. In most areas, this means mid to late March through April. For fall harvests, plant 10-12 weeks before your first hard frost. In warm climates, grow them as a fall and winter crop.

How do Chantenay carrots compare to Nantes carrots?▼

Chantenay carrots are broader, shorter, and more conical than cylindrical Nantes varieties. Chantenays handle heavy soils better and store longer, while Nantes are more tender and uniform. Chantenay Red Core develops better sweetness and has superior crack resistance, making it better for challenging growing conditions and long-term storage.