Carrot Royal Chantenay (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a heirloom, short, and stout carrot variety known for its sweet flavor, crisp texture, and adaptability to various soil types. It produces 5–6 inch conical roots with a broad shoulder and blunt tip, making it ideal for heavy or shallow soils where longer carrots struggle. Royal Chantenay carrots are excellent for fresh eating, canning, juicing, and storage.

How to Grow Carrot Royal Chantenay

Sowing and Germination

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 2–4 weeks before the last frost in early spring.
  • For a fall crop, sow seeds 8–10 weeks before the first expected frost.
  • Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.
  • Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall to allow for full root development.

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers well-drained, loose, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
  • Tolerates heavier clay soils better than longer carrot varieties.
  • Avoid compacted soil, as it may cause misshapen roots.

• Sunlight:

  • Requires full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Can tolerate partial shade but may grow more slowly.

Growing Carrot Royal Chantenay

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist during germination—carrot seeds take 10–21 days to sprout.
• Provide 1 inch of water per week, increasing during dry periods.
• Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to cracking or disease issues.

Mulching:

• Apply a light layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Mulching also prevents sun exposure on the carrot shoulders, which can turn them green and bitter.

Fertilizing:

• Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) before planting.
• Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth over root development.
• Side-dress with compost or fertilizer mid-season if needed.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests: Carrot rust flies, aphids, and wireworms—use row covers or neem oil to control them.
• Diseases: Rotate crops yearly to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
• Avoid disturbing the soil around growing carrots to prevent forking or splitting.

Fast Facts

• Latin Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Days to Germination: 10–21 days
• Days to Maturity: 65–75 days
• Height: 12–18 inches (foliage)
• Spacing: 2–3 inches apart
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
• Color: Deep Orange
• Root Length: 5–6 inches, conical with blunt tips

How and When to Harvest Carrot Royal Chantenay

• Harvest when carrots reach full size (5–6 inches long) or when the shoulders are visible above the soil.
• Loosen soil around the carrot before gently pulling them up.
• For a sweeter flavor, leave carrots in the ground until after the first light frost.
• Store freshly harvested carrots in a cool, humid place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator, for several months.

Carrot Royal Chantenay Seed Saving

• Carrots are biennial, producing seeds in their second year.
• Allow selected plants to flower and form seed heads.
• Once seed heads dry, collect and store seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 3 years.

Carrot Royal Chantenay is a sweet, crisp, and easy-to-grow variety, perfect for home gardeners and market growers. Its short, thick roots make it a great choice for any soil type, ensuring a delicious and productive harvest! 🥕🌱