Red Cored Chantenay Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | French Chantenay Region Classic, Dense Stubby 5–6 Inch Roots, Heavy Soil Tolerant, Burgundy-Orange Flesh | 55–70 Days

Red Cored Chantenay (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is an old-world favorite from the Chantenay region of France — grown for denser, stubbier roots that handle relatively heavy soils and still produce where longer-rooted varieties fail. Blunt, stump-rooted carrots grow 5–6 inches long and 2–2½ inches in diameter at the shoulder, with a rich burgundy-orange exterior and a core nearly the same color as the flesh — giving it a uniquely uniform, beautiful cross-section when sliced. Extra sweet and tender. Resists splitting and forking. Good storage carrot. Recommended by FL, IL, OR, and TX state universities and ag extension offices. 1g / ~700+ seeds per packet. 55–70 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Days to maturity: 55–70 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: 5–6 inches long; 2–2½ inches diameter at shoulder; abruptly stump-rooted
• Root color: Burgundy-orange exterior; core nearly same color as flesh
• Flesh color: Burgundy-orange throughout
• Core: Small, deep orange — nearly matches flesh; unique uniform cross-section when sliced
• Flavor: Extra sweet and tender; satisfying crunch raw
• Soil tolerance: Sandy or heavy soil — performs where longer varieties fail
• Splitting/forking: Resists both — reliable and consistent
• Storage: Good storage carrot
• Recommended by: FL, IL, OR, TX state universities and ag extension offices
• Soil: Loose, loamy, composted, well-drained; pH ~7.0
• Temperature: 55–75°F
• Plant height: 6–18 inches; rows 18–24 inches
• Packet size: 1g / ~700+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ½ inch
• Spacing: Thin to 2–4 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual
• Pests: No serious pests or diseases; watch for carrot rust fly and aster yellows

From the Chantenay Region of France — Built for Heavy Soil

Chantenay carrots originated in the Chantenay region of France, where they were developed specifically for the dense, heavy soils of the region that would cause longer-rooted varieties to fork, stunt, or fail entirely. The short, broad, stump-rooted form distributes growth pressure more evenly through the soil column, allowing the variety to size up even in clay-heavy or compacted beds. Red Cored Chantenay takes this heavy-soil advantage further — its resistance to splitting and forking makes it one of the most reliable performers in difficult garden conditions. If your soil is less than ideal and you still want a productive, flavorful carrot harvest, Red Cored Chantenay is the practical choice.

The Unique Cross-Section — Burgundy-Orange Core Matches the Flesh

Most orange carrots have a pale yellow or lighter-orange core that is visually distinct from the surrounding flesh. Red Cored Chantenay is different — the core is deep burgundy-orange, nearly the same color as the flesh, giving it a uniquely uniform, beautiful appearance when sliced. This makes it particularly attractive on relish trays, crudités platters, and anywhere the cross-section is visible. The 1932 Dupoy & Ferguson catalog noted the cores as “small and nearly the same as the flesh” — a quality that has been maintained through generations of open-pollinated selection.

What the Old Catalogs Said

“The tops are shorter and the foliage finer cut than regular Chantenay. The roots are refined in appearance with small collars, are evenly stumped and have very small rat-tails. The surface of the root is smooth and free from large eyes and side rootlets. The exterior color is a rich orange, decidedly deeper than the ordinary run of Chantenay. The cores are small and nearly the same as the flesh. The roots grow about 5.5–6 inches long, are 2–2.5 inches in diameter at the shoulder. It possesses all the advantages attributed to Nantes for slicing or for dicing in soups and salads. For market gardener and shipper.”
— Dupoy & Ferguson Seed Company, 1932

“One of the best general purpose carrots. Roots are slightly tapering and abruptly stump rooted, 6 inches long and 2¼ inches through at the top. The core is deep orange, the same color as the flesh. Sow early in rows 18 inches apart, thin to 2 to 3 inches apart in the row, cultivate often and keep clean of all weeds.”
— James Seed Company, 1936

“Quite an improvement. Developed and first introduced by Ferry-Morse. A desirable Chantenay with good interior color; valuable for canners and market gardeners.”
— MacFayden Seed Company, 1937

In the Kitchen

• Slicing & crudités: The standout use — the deep burgundy-orange core nearly matching the flesh creates a uniquely uniform, beautiful cross-section on relish trays and platters
• Soups & stews: Dense, meaty roots hold their shape through long cooking; noted as having “all the advantages attributed to Nantes for slicing or dicing in soups and salads”
• Canning: Noted as “valuable for canners and market gardeners” in 1937; firm roots hold texture through pressure canning
• Storage: Good storage carrot — keeps well in cool, dark conditions after harvest
• Raw snacking: Extra sweet and tender with a satisfying crunch; the dense, meaty texture is excellent raw
• Roasting: Halve lengthwise; the broad shoulders caramelize beautifully at 400°F

Growing Notes

Cool weather crop — direct sow in early spring or late fall. Sow ½ inch deep, 1–2 inches apart in loose, loamy, well-drained soil (pH ~7.0) in full sun. Thin to 2–4 inches as true leaves establish. Rows 18–24 inches apart. Remove rocks before sowing to avoid crooked roots. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Keep soil consistently moist at 55–75°F. Harvest at 55–70 days when shoulders show at the soil surface. Use a hori-hori or garden fork in heavier soils. Watch for carrot rust fly and aster yellows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Red Cored Chantenay perform better in heavy soil than other carrots?

The short, broad, stump-rooted form — 5–6 inches long vs. 10–12 inches for maincrop varieties — means the root doesn’t need to penetrate as deeply into the soil. This reduces the forking and stunting that affects longer-rooted varieties in clay-heavy or compacted beds. Red Cored Chantenay also resists splitting, making it more reliable in soils with inconsistent moisture.

What makes the cross-section unique?

Most orange carrots have a pale yellow or lighter-orange core that is visually distinct from the surrounding flesh. Red Cored Chantenay’s core is deep burgundy-orange — nearly the same color as the flesh — giving it a uniformly colored cross-section that is more visually striking and appetizing than standard orange varieties when sliced.

Is this a good carrot for canning?

Yes — noted as “valuable for canners and market gardeners” in the 1937 MacFayden catalog. The dense, firm roots hold texture through pressure canning. Follow USDA guidelines for canning carrots.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.