Red Cored Chantenay

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly earthy and richly aromatic, Red Cored Chantenay brings a vivid, ember-red core that glows against a warm orange exterior.

The roots are short and powerfully tapered, with a smooth, fine-grained texture that stays tender and crisp from garden to table. Grow for a dependable cool-season harvest—ideal for roasting, fresh snacking, and vibrant color in sauces and pickles.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Red Cored Chantenay

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	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Red Cored Chantenay’s short, tapered roots give you a tight, fine-grained crunch that holds up to heat—so roasting turns sweet without turning soft or stewy. The ember-red core makes sauces and pickles look like they’re lit from within, and it pairs especially well with warm spices and tangy fats.

Best Uses

roast hard at high heat to caramelize sugars without going fluffy
raw snack sticks for crisp crunch and color
glossy carrot purée or velouté where it stays smooth (not watery)
quick-pickle slices for a jewel-toned tangy bite

Flavor Profile

sweetly earthy carrot sweetness bright, peppery herbal aroma fine-grained snap with a tender bite

Kitchen Pairings

ginger cumin honey butter goat cheese cilantro

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Daucus carota (carrot) like Red Cored Chantenay, and how do I treat it?

Carrot fly (larvae that tunnel into roots) is a frequent problem, especially in warm, coastal or long-summer areas. Cover sown beds with fine insect netting as soon as seeds germinate, and keep the area free of weeds to reduce egg-laying sites; remove and discard any severely damaged roots. If you see early foliage damage that persists, rotate crops yearly and avoid planting carrots in the same bed for 3+ years to break the pest cycle.

How often should I water Red Cored Chantenay during the main growing phase to get straight, fleshy roots?

During active root bulking (once seedlings are established and until about a few weeks before harvest), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. In warm weather, this usually means watering deeply 1–2 times per week (more often during dry spells) so moisture reaches the full rooting depth without causing waterlogged conditions. Irregular watering can lead to cracking or forked roots, so aim for steady moisture and stop heavy watering in the final week to reduce root splitting.

How can I tell when Red Cored Chantenay carrots are ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70–75 days after sowing: gently pull back soil near the crown and look for the root shoulder to reach the expected orange diameter and color. The tops should look healthy, and you’ll see a clear red core just under the soil when you inspect a sample. Harvest promptly when they’re the right size—leaving mature carrots in the ground too long can reduce sweetness and firmness.