Chantenay Red Core

Carrot

Zone 13a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Chantenay Red Core

🌱 70d to harvest Taproot

Sweet, earthy-sweet fragrance rises as the roots emerge—Chantenay Red Core forms short, stout carrots with a vivid red core and a…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 12th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Southport White Globe Onion

Northern White Garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Daucus carota (carrot) and how do I treat it?

Watch for carrot rust fly and cavity-rotting caused by larvae; symptoms include tunneling and misshapen roots. Use fine mesh row cover over seedlings as soon as they emerge and remove it only for watering/harvesting, then hand-pull any infested plants to reduce larval buildup. If fungal leaf spots (dark lesions) appear in cool, humid weather, thin plants for airflow and avoid wetting the foliage when you water.

How often should I water Chantenay Red Core carrots during the main growing phase?

During active root bulking, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply, then allow the top 1 cm to dry slightly before watering again, because carrots that swing between wet and dry commonly fork or crack. Avoid frequent light sprinkling that keeps the surface wet but leaves deeper soil dry.

How can I tell when Chantenay Red Core (Daucus carota) is ready to harvest?

Start checking at about 60–70 days: the shoulders should be clearly visible and the root diameter at the crown should match the variety’s compact size (about 1–2 inches / 2.5–5 cm). Pull one and check that the interior is firm and fully colored, not woody or hollow. Harvest before roots get too large and tough—especially if tops are starting to look stressed in hot weather.

Sweet, earthy-sweet fragrance rises as the roots emerge—Chantenay Red Core forms short, stout carrots with a vivid red core and a softly tapered shoulder that feels satisfyingly firm in the soil. The flesh is crisp and finely grained, delivering a balanced sweetness that shines in fresh salads and holds beautifully for roasting and vibrant color in sauces. A classic Chantenay for gardeners who want dependable, uniform roots at about 70 days, with a bold interior that makes every harvest look as good as it tastes.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Direct-sow Chantenay Red Core carrots in loose, stone-free soil (or fine compost) as soon as the ground is workable, and thin early to prevent forked roots.