Kyoto Red Carrot, Heirloom Seeds

Kyoto Red Carrot, Heirloom Seeds — The Sacred Japanese Kintoki Carrot Eaten on New Year’s Day

Kyoto Red (Daucus carota) is a celebrated Japanese heirloom vegetable — a dento yasai (traditional vegetable) grown near Kyoto for centuries, where these Kintoki-type carrots are eaten on New Year’s Day, often carved into plum blossoms to represent fertility and good fortune. Glossy, deep scarlet roots grow 10–12 inches long with exceptional tender-crisp texture and remarkably sweet flavor with delicate earthy and watermelon-like undertones. The vibrant red color develops when roots reach 3 inches and deepens beautifully in cool weather. Excellent for juicing, roasting, grilling, steaming, and fresh eating. Frost-hardy with excellent storage quality. 70–90 days.

Why Grow Kyoto Red?

• Sacred Japanese heirloom — eaten on New Year’s Day, carved into plum blossoms for good fortune
• Glossy deep scarlet roots — 10–12 inches, color deepens in cool weather
• Sweet with watermelon-like undertones — exceptional tender-crisp texture
• Frost-hardy with excellent storage — reliable late-season and storage carrot
• Versatile in the kitchen — juicing, roasting, grilling, steaming, and fresh eating
• Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Direct sow in fall or early spring in full sun. Sow seeds ⅛ inch deep, 2–3 inches apart in fertile, loose, well-drained soil at 50–75°F. Thin to 2–3 inches. Keep soil consistently moist. Color develops when roots reach 3 inches and deepens in cool weather. Harvest at 70–90 days. Excellent in containers — use pots at least 10 inches deep.

Days to maturity: 70–90 days
Root size: 10–12 inches, deep scarlet
Packet size: 0.7 g / 100+ seeds
Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Annual
Spacing: 16 plants per sq ft
Sun: Full sun
USDA Zones: 3–9