St. Valery Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | 150+ Year French Maincrop, 10–12 Inch Orange-Red Roots, Sweet Tender Flesh, Exceptional Storage | 70–100 Days

St. Valery (Daucus carota var. sativus) is a true heirloom carrot strain from France — noted as early as 1885 by the French seed company Vilmorin-Andrieux, who already considered it an old variety at that time. That makes St. Valery at least 150 years in continuous cultivation, and likely much older. Smooth, uniform orange-red roots grow 10–12 inches long and 2–3 inches across at the shoulder with a pronounced taper — a classic maincrop form. Sweet, tender flesh with little core, excellent for fresh eating, and stores exceptionally well for months in cool conditions. Highly productive with somewhat sparse tops. Frost tolerant. 1g / ~700+ seeds per packet. 70–100 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota var. sativus
• Days to maturity: 70–100 days
• Days to germination: 6–14 days
• Root size: 10–12 inches long; 2–3 inches at shoulder; pronounced taper
• Root color: Orange-red
• Core: Little core — sweet, tender flesh throughout
• Flavor: Sweet and tender
• Storage: Exceptional — months in cool, dark conditions without flavor or texture loss
• Tops: Somewhat sparse — dig rather than pull at harvest
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Soil: Light, sandy, well-drained; pH 6.0–7.0; loosen to 12+ inches
• Temperature: 55–75°F
• Plant height: 12–15 inches
• Packet size: 1g / ~700+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ¼ inch
• Spacing: Thin to 2–3 inches; rows 12–18 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 2–10
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual
• Pests: Watch for carrot rust fly; practice crop rotation

150+ Years of French Heirloom History

St. Valery’s documented history begins in 1885, when the prestigious French seed house Vilmorin-Andrieux listed it in their catalog — already describing it as an established old variety. That places St. Valery in continuous cultivation for at least 150 years, making it one of the oldest named carrot varieties still widely grown. It has been the original heirloom carrot in home gardens across Europe and North America for generations, celebrated for its sweet, tender flavor, fine texture, and exceptional storage capacity. Growing St. Valery connects your garden to a living thread of French horticultural tradition stretching back well into the 19th century.

The Maincrop Advantage — Size, Yield & Storage

St. Valery is classified as a maincrop carrot — a variety grown for maximum root size, yield, and storage rather than early harvest speed. The 10–12 inch roots with broad 2–3 inch shoulders produce substantial, meaty carrots that store exceptionally well for months in cool, dark conditions without losing flavor or texture. This makes St. Valery the practical choice for gardeners who want to put up a serious carrot harvest — whether for root cellar storage, canning, or a season-long supply of fresh eating carrots. Highly productive and reliable, it earns its place as the anchor of any serious kitchen garden.

Harvesting St. Valery

St. Valery has somewhat sparse tops — do not attempt to pull roots by the tops, as they will break. Instead, dig them like potatoes: loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork or hori-hori knife, then wiggle the carrot free. Roots are ready when the shoulders (the top of the root) are visible at the soil surface. After harvesting, remove the green tops immediately to prevent moisture loss from the root. Store in a cool, humid location — root cellar, refrigerator crisper, or cool garage in damp sand. Roots keep for months under proper conditions.

Companion Planting

St. Valery pairs well with onions, leeks, and chives — their strong scents help deter carrot rust flies. Interplanting with legumes (peas, beans) enhances soil nitrogen. Avoid planting near dill and parsnips, which attract similar pests and compete for resources.

In the Kitchen

• Fresh eating: Sweet, tender flesh with little core — excellent raw, straight from the garden
• Storage: The standout use — months in cool, dark conditions without flavor or texture loss; ideal for root cellar storage
• Juicing: Rich beta-carotene content and sweet flavor produce excellent carrot juice
• Roasting: Large roots halve beautifully lengthwise; roast at 400°F with olive oil and herbs
• Soups & stews: Thick roots hold their shape through long cooking; cut into large chunks for hearty winter dishes
• Canning: Firm, meaty roots hold texture through pressure canning; follow USDA guidelines

Growing Notes

Direct sow ¼ inch deep in light, sandy, well-drained soil (pH 6.0–7.0) in full sun. Loosen soil to at least 12 inches before sowing — St. Valery’s long roots require deep, unobstructed soil to develop straight and uniform. Sow 2–3 weeks before last spring frost or in late summer for fall harvest; frost tolerant and can be grown through winter in warmer climates. Sow ½ inch apart in rows 12–18 inches apart; thin to 2–3 inches as true leaves establish. Water gently to avoid displacing seeds; use row cover to retain moisture and warmth. Reduce watering as roots approach maturity to prevent cracking. Watch for carrot rust fly — use floating row covers and practice crop rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are St. Valery’s tops sparse — is something wrong?

No — sparse tops are a characteristic of the St. Valery variety, not a sign of stress or disease. The energy goes into root development rather than foliage. Because of the sparse tops, always dig St. Valery rather than pulling — loosen soil around the root with a fork and wiggle free.

How long do St. Valery carrots store?

Months — stored in cool, dark, humid conditions (root cellar, refrigerator crisper, or cool garage in damp sand), St. Valery roots maintain their flavor and texture for months after harvest. Remove tops immediately after harvest to prevent moisture loss from the root.

What does 70–100 days to maturity mean?

St. Valery’s wide maturity window reflects its adaptability — roots can be harvested as early as 70 days for smaller, tender carrots, or left to develop fully to 100 days for maximum size and storage quality. Harvest to your preference.

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