‘Chantenay’ red-center carrot on ribbon (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), offered by the seed company McKenzie

The ‘Chantenay Red Center’ carrot is a highly prized heirloom variety , known for its short, thick, and sturdy roots , perfectly suited to heavy or compact soils where other carrots struggle. Its roots, approximately 14 cm long, boast a beautiful, warm reddish-orange color and a slightly rounded core , resulting in dense, crisp, and naturally sweet flesh . This texture makes it ideal for dicing , cooking, and stews, while also being delicious eaten raw.

Presented on a tape , this variety makes sowing simple, precise, and accessible , even for beginner gardeners. The tape ensures uniform seed spacing, greatly reduces thinning , and simplifies maintenance in the home vegetable garden. Like all tape-based seeds, it requires consistent moisture during germination to guarantee even and successful emergence.
Carrots are a recognized healthy choice , rich in vitamin A and dietary fiber , particularly when eaten fresh, while also being safe for pollinators .

Latin name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Variety type: Heritage (Chantenay)
Seed type: On tape
Growth habit/spread: Short, thick root, easy to harvest
Foliage height: 25 to 35 cm
Root color: Reddish orange
Texture: Dense, crisp, and naturally sweet flesh
Cold tolerance: Good tolerance to cool temperatures

Companion plants: Onion, leek, chives, rosemary, sage
Negative plants: Coriander, dill, parsnip

Farming method

Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed. Germination is reliable and gradual , with an optimal soil temperature between 13 and 18C , although the variety tolerates a wider range. Prepare well-worked, loose soil enriched with organic matter , even if it is naturally clayey or compacted.

Make shallow furrows about 1.3 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart. Place the seed tape at the bottom of the furrow, water gently, then cover with about 6 mm of fine soil . Water again gently. It is essential to keep the soil moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually takes 10 to 14 days , sometimes up to 3 weeks depending on conditions.

For a prolonged and abundant harvest, sow seeds every 2 to 3 weeks from spring until mid-July. Carrots thrive in full sun , but tolerate light shade.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvesting typically begins about 70 days after sowing . For optimal sweetness and flavor , harvest when the roots reach approximately 5 cm in diameter . Covering exposed shoulders with soil helps prevent greening and preserves flavor. Fluctuating moisture levels can lead to forked or split roots; regular watering promotes well-formed roots.

For storage, keep the carrots at 0C , with high humidity and good air circulation, in order to retain their crispness and sweetness.

Usage ideas

Diced carrots, convenient and uniform
Boiling, steaming, or roasting
Comforting soups and stews
Fresh, crunchy and sweet to eat
Reliable and reassuring cultivation in heavy soils

The ‘Chantenay Red Center’ carrot from McKenzie Seeds is a reliable and easy-to-grow variety , offering robustness, natural sweetness, and excellent adaptation to difficult soils . A productive, simple, and consistent heirloom variety, it’s ideal for gardeners who want good results without complications and appreciate a reassuring information sheet.