Autumn King Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | Massive 12-Inch Flakkee-Type, Heavy Soil Tolerant, Harvest Through December | 70–85 Days

Autumn King (Daucus carota), also known as Autumn King/Flakkee, is the main-crop carrot for gardeners who want size, storage, and season extension in one variety. Massive bright-orange roots grow up to 2½ inches wide and 12 inches long — thick, heavy, and sweet — with upright tops reaching 16 inches tall. Unlike most long-rooted varieties that require perfectly loose, sandy soil, Autumn King performs well in heavier soils and can remain in the ground well into winter without spoiling, making it one of the most practical large-rooted heirloom carrots available. Sow through July; harvest from August through December.  70–85 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota
• Also known as: Autumn King/Flakkee
• Days to maturity: 70–85 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: Up to 12 inches long, 2½ inches wide
• Root color: Bright orange throughout
• Flavor: Sweet — excellent roasted
• Soil tolerance: Heavy soils — more forgiving than most long-rooted varieties
• Cold tolerance: Excellent — stays in ground through winter
• Harvest window: August through December
• Storage: Excellent — remains crisp long after harvest; store without stems
• Packet size: 1 g / ~700+ Seeds
• Sowing depth: ¼ inch
• Spacing: Thin to 2–3 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3–9 (all U.S. zones)
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual

The Flakkee Advantage — Built for Heavy Soil and Long Seasons

Most large-rooted carrot varieties require deep, perfectly loose, stone-free sandy soil to develop straight, uniform roots. Autumn King/Flakkee was bred specifically to perform in heavier, denser soils where other long-rooted varieties fork, stunt, or fail entirely. The broad, thick root profile distributes growth pressure more evenly through the soil column, allowing the variety to size up even where soil conditions are less than ideal. This makes it the practical choice for gardeners with clay-heavy or compacted beds who still want a large, productive main-crop carrot.

Season Extension — Sow Through July, Harvest Through December

Autumn King’s cold tolerance sets it apart from most carrot varieties. Roots can remain in the ground well into winter without spoiling — cold temperatures actually convert starches to sugars, improving flavor after frost. Sow seeds through July for a fall and winter harvest window that runs from August through December. In mild climates, roots can be left in the ground and harvested as needed through the coldest months. In harder freeze zones, mulch heavily over the bed to extend the harvest window. Roots should be stored without their stems after harvest and will remain crisp for weeks in a cool, dry location.

In the Kitchen

• Roasting: The standout use — halve lengthwise, toss with olive oil, honey, and thyme, roast at 400°F; the large size caramelizes beautifully and the sweet flavor concentrates
• Soups & stews: The thick roots hold their shape through long cooking; cut into large chunks for hearty winter soups
• Storage carrots: The large size and excellent keeping quality make Autumn King ideal for root cellar storage through winter
• Juicing: High sugar content produces a rich, sweet carrot juice
• Glazed carrots: Cut into coins or batons and glaze with butter, brown sugar, and caraway
• Fermentation: Shred or slice for lacto-fermented carrot sticks — the high sugar content supports active fermentation

Growing Notes

Direct sow ¼ inch deep in rich soil with no stones — remove rocks and break up clods before sowing for the straightest roots. Sow from early spring through July for a succession of harvests running August through December. Thin to 2–3 inches apart as true leaves establish. Keep soil consistently moist until germination (14–21 days). Watch for weeds — weed roots can interfere with carrot root development in the early stages. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause forking and growth abnormalities. Roots may need to be dug rather than pulled due to their great thickness and length — use a garden fork to loosen soil before harvesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to harvest before frost?

No — Autumn King is cold tolerant and can remain in the ground through frost and into winter. Cold temperatures improve flavor by converting starches to sugars. In hard freeze zones, mulch the bed heavily to keep the soil workable and extend the harvest window. Harvest as needed through December.

Why are my Autumn King roots forked or stubby?

Forking is almost always caused by stones, clods, or compacted soil in the root zone. Autumn King tolerates heavier soils better than most long-rooted varieties, but still benefits from thorough soil preparation before sowing. Remove rocks, break up clods, and loosen soil to at least 12 inches deep. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers also cause forking — use balanced or low-nitrogen amendments only.

How do I store Autumn King after harvest?

Remove stems before storage — leaving stems attached draws moisture from the root and shortens storage life. Store roots in a cool, humid location (root cellar, refrigerator crisper, or cool garage) in damp sand or perforated bags. Roots remain crisp for weeks to months under proper conditions.

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