One independent source describes ‘Red Cored Chantenay’ as “The Big Ugly,” suggesting a historical or commercial connection. However, the supplier profile carries only ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’, and no public documentation formally connects this lot with ‘Red Cored Chantenay’. This profile therefore retains exactly the supplied name and does not automatically add core colour, maturity, or lineage. Keep the original packet, label the row, and photograph several roots cut at harvest. Record shape, length, diameter, exterior colour, and core colour. These observations describe the grown lot but do not justify changing its name without supplier confirmation. Unsupported identity fields remain blank.
Sale
Sold out
Compact root vegetable
Apiaceae
Organic root vegetable seeds
Organic ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’)
Daucus carota subsp. sativus ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’
Organic ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ is a compact carrot producing small orange roots that are short, cylindrical, and generally rounded at the tip. Flesh remains crisp and mild when soil stays moist and roots are harvested young. It particularly suits small gardens, raised beds, and containers at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Always direct-sow in light, loose, stone-free soil, then keep the surface moist during germination that may require up to three weeks. Thin to 5 or 8 cm (2 to 3 in) and harvest around 60 days according to size and conditions. Successive sowings spread snacks, salads, roasted carrots, and small family harvests through the season.
Quantity
Around 250 seeds
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Difficulty level
Easy to moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Apiaceae
Genus
Daucus
Species
carota subsp. sativus
Cultivar
Chantenay Big Ugly
Type
Compact root vegetable
Cycle
Biennial grown as an annual crop
Organic ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’) is a Chantenay-type carrot grown for short broad conical roots. One independent source connects the “Big Ugly” nickname with ‘Red Cored Chantenay’, but the supplier displays only ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’; this profile therefore retains that exact name without automatically adding ‘Red Cored’. Its stout shape suits shallower or heavier soil better than long Imperator carrots, provided the bed is loosened and cleared of stones. Roots may be eaten raw, roasted, steamed, added to soup, or pickled according to their harvest texture. Their practical shape also suits raised beds and deep containers.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, then repeat sowings through midsummer when enough season remains. Place seed approximately 0.5 to 1 cm deep in fine moist well-drained soil. Emergence may take 10 to 21 days; keep the surface continuously moist without saturation. Thin with scissors to approximately 5 to 8 cm so shoulders can enlarge. Remove stones and avoid fresh manure that may cause forked roots. Full sun supports growth, while bright partial shade may help during heat. Light mulch stabilizes moisture after emergence. Do not transplant because root disturbance commonly causes deformation.
The name ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ provides no verifiable official maturity. Use the general range of approximately 65 to 80 days for Chantenay carrots as an inspection period, never a guarantee. Expose one shoulder gently and lift a sample while soil is slightly moist. Harvest according to desired diameter, tenderness, and flavour. Trim tops while leaving a short stem, then refrigerate roots separately. Monitor carrot rust fly, flea beetles, slugs, and irregular moisture. Exposed shoulders may turn green; draw up a little soil without burying foliage. Label rows to preserve the lot’s unusual name. Discard roots showing rot, contamination, or uncertain storage history.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Approximately 0.5 to 1 cm (1/4 to 3/8 in)
Spacing / density
Thin to approximately 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in)
Establishment temperature
10 to 24 °C (50 to 75 °F)
Establishment time
Approximately 10 to 21 days depending on temperature and moisture
Best planting time
April to June
Propagation
Direct sowing only for regular root production
Growing method
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked. Loosen at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) of soil, remove stones, and incorporate only well-decomposed compost. Make a furrow 6 to 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in) deep, distribute seed sparingly, and firm lightly. Keep the surface moist with a gentle spray until emergence, which may require up to three weeks. When crust forms after rain, break it carefully without disturbing seed. Once seedlings reach 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in), thin gradually to 5 or 8 cm (2 to 3 in). Water deeply to provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) weekly, including rainfall, and weed shallowly. Cover any greening shoulder with a little soil. Make two or three sowings three weeks apart. Harvest when diameter suits your use, loosen with a fork, and remove tops. Record dates, texture, and forked roots to improve the next batch. Cool every harvest promptly and keep rows labelled. Inspect foliage for aster yellows symptoms and remove suspicious plants rather than composting them beside healthy carrots. Keep the surface evenly moist during hot winds. After each thinning, close gaps gently without compacting the remaining roots.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to light partial shade
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Minimum temperature
-10°C (14°F)
Watering
Keep the upper soil continuously moist during germination, which may last up to three weeks. Use a fine spray so seed is not displaced. After emergence, water deeply when the surface begins drying to encourage even roots. Alternating drought and excess water may slow growth, toughen tissue, or cause splitting. Light mulch stabilizes moisture after thinning without covering crowns. Water in the morning and adjust frequency to rainfall and soil type. In containers, check daily during heat and allow excess water to drain freely. Avoid prolonged saturation that excludes oxygen and encourages rot.
Soil type
Prepare loose fine soil at least 20 to 25 cm deep and free of stones. A Chantenay root is shorter than an Imperator type but may still fork in clods or compacted zones. Incorporate well-matured compost to improve structure without using fresh manure. Soil should retain steady moisture while draining excess water promptly. In heavy ground, use a raised bed and break surface crust gently before emergence. A pH near 6.0 to 7.0 generally suits carrots. A soil test should guide corrections and prevent unnecessary amendments. Rotate away from carrots and related Apiaceae where pest pressure has been substantial.
Fertilization
Incorporate a moderate amount of mature compost before sowing. In already fertile soil, no heavy feeding is needed. Avoid fresh manure and high nitrogen rates that favour tops and may contribute to deformed roots. When a soil test indicates deficiency, use a balanced organic fertilizer at a low labelled rate without direct contact with young roots and never on dry soil. Check spacing, moisture, pH, and compaction first when roots enlarge poorly. Record every amendment so unnecessary applications are not repeated. Stop late feeding as harvest approaches. Judge crop progress from sampled roots rather than foliage size alone.
Seasonal care
In spring, prepare light soil and sow as soon as it can be worked. Keep the surface moist through slow germination and prevent soil crusting. After emergence, thin promptly and weed shallowly. Provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) of water weekly, including rainfall, adjusting frequency for sandy soil and containers. Mulch lightly after plants establish without covering their centres. In early summer, harvest initial sowings before roots become oversized and make another sowing when the local calendar allows. During heat, monitor moisture more closely and provide light afternoon protection for scorching containers. In late summer, sow one final small batch for autumn. Harvest before a deep freeze, remove tops, and cool roots. Sort broken or diseased carrots for immediate use or disposal. Clean tools and containers, then record emergence, thinning, and harvest dates. During storage, inspect roots regularly and remove any specimen that softens or develops rot. Wash reusable crates and allow them to dry completely. In containers, check moisture daily during windy periods and empty saucers after rain. Compare roots from different sowings to identify the best spacing and calendar. Remove plants showing serious symptoms instead of leaving them in the bed. Keep notes with the rotation plan and change the mix when roots repeatedly show compaction, forking, or poor drainage. Sanitize tools after diseased tissue, wash reusable labels, and never store wet carrots in a sealed unventilated container.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
30 cm (12 in)
Choose a planter or pot at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with numerous holes. Fill it with light, stone-free potting mix amended with a moderate amount of mature compost. Do not use heavy garden soil that compacts. Sow 6 to 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in) deep, maintain surface moisture, and protect it from drying wind until emergence. Thin to 5 or 8 cm (2 to 3 in), cutting surplus seedlings at soil level when pulling would disturb neighbours. Place the container in sun, then check moisture daily during hot periods. Water slowly until excess drains and empty the saucer. Rotate the pot for balanced light. Cover exposed shoulders, avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding, and harvest one test root at the desired size. After harvest, remove remaining roots, clean the container, and replace mix when disease or serious compaction appeared. Label every sowing and compare how quickly different containers dry. Label the pot with date, spacing, and potting-mix type. After heavy rain, check for surface crust and loosen only the upper few millimetres. Cool roots immediately after separating foliage. Keep harvest tools and containers clean, and compare root shape among pots before reusing the same mix or fertilizer plan.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
White
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast to moderate depending on temperature
Bloom period
White umbels in the second year when roots survive and bolt
Fruiting
Not applicable
Harvest
Inspect near 65 to 80 days as general guidance; harvest according to diameter and texture
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Rosemary, Sage
Avoid planting with
Dill, Parsnip
Snacks, raw dishes, salads, whole cooking, roasting, glazed carrots, steaming, and soups
From the garden to inspiration.
Glazed ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ carrots — Wash 500 g small carrots and remove tops. Scrub carefully, peeling only when skin is thick or damaged. Place whole roots in a large pan with 125 mL (1/2 cup) water, 15 mL (1 tbsp) butter or oil, and a small pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for 8 to 12 minutes according to diameter. Remove the lid, add 5 mL (1 tsp) honey, and continue cooking until the liquid forms a light glaze. Check tenderness with a knife tip; roots should remain firm. Add parsley and a little lemon juice when serving. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. To freeze raw carrots, follow a tested method that includes blanching rather than skipping that step. Use a clean board and keep soil-covered roots separate from ready-to-eat foods. Taste before adding more salt or sweetness. Wash hands before preparation, use a fresh tasting spoon, and cool cooked carrots in a shallow container so refrigeration occurs quickly and evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Forked roots often result from compact stony soil, transplanting, fresh manure, or injury early in growth. Loosen soil deeply, remove stones, and direct-sow. Fibrous, bitter, or tough texture is often worsened by insufficient water or late harvest. Provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) of water weekly, including rainfall, and avoid extreme changes between drought and saturation. Thin on time to reduce competition. Harvest one test root when shoulders reach the desired size. Record observed defects to distinguish a soil problem from watering or timing. Cover green shoulders with a little soil, but never bury the leaf centre or compact the root zone.
Yes. Its short root suits a planter at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep, but drainage and texture remain essential. Use light stone-free potting mix instead of compact garden soil. Direct-sow 6 to 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in) deep, maintain surface moisture, and thin to 5 or 8 cm (2 to 3 in). Place the container in sun, check moisture daily during hot periods, and always empty the saucer. Cover exposed shoulders with a little mix. Harvest one test root at the desired diameter and replace the substrate when it becomes severely compacted or shows disease. Label each container so sowing dates and spacing remain clear.
Begin checking around 60 days after sowing, but use shoulder diameter and texture instead of one absolute date. ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ may be harvested young for very short conical roots or left slightly longer for a larger whole carrot. Water the previous day or harvest after light rain, then loosen soil with a fork before pulling. Late harvest or water stress can make roots stronger and more fibrous. Remove tops promptly, wash carrots, and cool them. Use every broken, split, or lightly damaged root first and discard those showing decay. Record the preferred size so following sowings can be harvested more consistently.
Carrot is biennial: a retained root may produce umbels and seed in the second year. Cultivar fidelity is not guaranteed when another cultivated carrot or wild carrot flowers nearby because cross-pollination can occur. Retain only healthy typical roots, protect them correctly through winter, and label the experiment. Before flowering, check which other Apiaceae are present. Harvest umbels only as they brown and dry them completely. For reliable results, follow an isolation and selection protocol suited to seed growers. For ordinary cultivation, using certified, identified seed remains the simplest way to obtain ‘Chantenay Big Ugly’ again. Never claim purity from one uncontrolled backyard seed harvest.
