Kyoto Red

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly fragrant and richly colored, Kyoto Red carrots arrive with a deep, wine-red shoulder that fades to a warm orange-red core—an eye-catching harvest that tastes as vibrant as it looks.

The Imperator type forms long, tapered roots with a smooth, fine-grained texture and a crisp bite that holds its snap from garden to table. Ideal for roasting, fresh snacking, and vivid color in sauces and pickles, Kyoto Red brings a bold, gourmet presence to every platter.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Taproot

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kyoto Red has that Imperator texture—smooth and fine with a crisp bite—so it behaves beautifully both raw and after heat. The deep red shoulder brings extra visual drama, and the sweetness makes it ideal for caramelizing roasts or bright, vinegary pickles without getting dull.

Best Uses

roast at high heat to caramelize the tapered edges while keeping the center firm
thin shave for raw snacking or salads—color holds and crunch doesn’t turn mealy
quick pickle for a magenta-toned tang that stays punchy
blend into a silky purée or sauce that coats without tasting starchy

Flavor Profile

sweet, carrot-forward with a fragrant bite fine-grained, crisp snap that stays snappy warm, slightly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

ginger citrus (orange or lemon) brown butter honey or maple yogurt or labneh feta

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my carrot (Daucus carota var. sativus) tops turning yellow and wilting, and what can I do?

Yellow, wilting foliage in carrots is often a sign of root rot problems associated with constantly wet, poorly drained beds. Water only when the top 1 inch of soil is drying, keep the row well-drained, and remove any severely diseased plants so the rot doesn’t spread. If you see patches and the soil stays soggy after watering, amend with compost and avoid overwatering for the rest of the season.

How often should I water Kyoto Red carrots during the main growing phase to avoid misshapen roots?

During active root bulking, keep the bed evenly moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings. If the soil dries too far between waterings, roots can fork or become fibrous; use a light, frequent soak to maintain consistent moisture. Stop heavy watering near harvest so roots don’t split easily.

How can I tell when Kyoto Red carrots are ready to harvest at about 75 days?

Harvest when the roots have reached their expected size for your seed packet and the shoulders are visible at the soil surface. Pull one or two as a test: mature roots should be firm with a clear, smooth orange/red color rather than thin and tapered. For the best sweetness, harvest before hard freezes and loosen soil first to avoid snapping the roots.