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Compact root vegetable
Apiaceae
Organic root vegetable seeds
Organic 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Product code : BIOVO-0016
Organic 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, produces short, broad, conical roots. Direct-sow in spring at a depth of 6 mm, keep the seedbed surface consistently moist until emergence within 10 to 21 days, then thin seedlings to 5 cm apart. Space rows 30 cm apart in full sun or partial shade and loose, fine, stone-free soil. Harvest according to shoulder diameter and desired tenderness. This stout carrot suits raised beds and containers at least 25 to 30 cm deep, where regular moisture supports uniform roots and visible shoulders help indicate the preferred harvest stage before roots become fibrous.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Biennial grown as an annual crop
Discover the plant
Common name'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot, Chantenay carrot
FamilyApiaceae
GenusDaucus
Speciescarota subsp. sativus
CultivarChantenay Big Ugly
TypeCompact root vegetable
Botanical nameDaucus carota subsp. sativus
Organic 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a Chantenay-type carrot that produces short, broad, conical roots. Its stout shape suits vegetable gardens, raised beds, and sufficiently deep containers when soil is loose and free of stones. Maturity timing can vary; observe root diameter and tenderness when choosing the harvest stage. Enjoy the roots raw, grated, roasted, glazed, steamed, or added to soups and stews. Their compact shape makes them a practical choice where long carrot varieties would have insufficient soil depth. The widening shoulders remain easy to inspect as harvest approaches.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Place seeds approximately 6 mm deep and 2.5 cm apart, then keep the surface consistently moist until emergence, generally within 10 to 21 days. When seedlings are large enough, thin them to approximately 5 cm apart by cutting extras with scissors. Space rows approximately 30 cm apart. Choose full sun or bright partial shade and prepare fine, deep, stone-free, well-drained soil. Avoid fresh manure and excess nitrogen, which may encourage forked roots or abundant foliage. Weed gently so young roots remain undisturbed, and sow additional short rows several weeks apart when you want a longer harvest period.
Maintain steady moisture as roots enlarge to support uniform texture and reduce splitting. Begin checking roots as their shoulders enlarge, while observing shoulder diameter and the tenderness you prefer. Loosen soil before pulling to reduce breakage. Remove tops promptly, then refrigerate roots separately to preserve moisture. No specific companion plant is confirmed; keep rows open and easy to monitor instead. Watch for tunnelling, yellowing, and foliage damage, then use pest-management methods suitable for edible crops. In containers, check moisture frequently during warm weather and check that drainage openings remain clear after every deep watering.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 6 mm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Sow 1 in apart, thin to 2 in, and space rows 12 in apart
Germination temperature
10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C
Germination time
Approximately 10 to 21 days in evenly moist soil; warmer soil within the crop’s suitable range speeds emergence.
Sowing period
Spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season
Propagation
Direct sowing only for regular root production
Growing method
Growing carrot seeds: 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot. Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked. As a cultivated carrot, 'Chantenay Big Ugly' forms its best root when the seedling is not transplanted. If a seed harvest from 'Chantenay Big Ugly' is planned, retain the cultivar label and consult crop-specific isolation guidance; vegetable harvest directions alone are not sufficient. Direct-sow the root crop; transplanting can bend or fork the developing taproot. Plan around the way the row grows: rosette of finely divided leaves above a short root. Keep access to the root zone for watering and inspection. Avoid repeated nitrogen feeding, which can favour tops instead of a smooth root. Leave enough access around the crop to inspect and cleanly harvest finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root. Thin in stages with scissors so the remaining seedlings keep undisturbed root space. Mark the row clearly because carrot seedlings can be mistaken for weeds. Give the root crop full sun to partial shade. Choose the site before committing the final planting position. Weed shallowly and keep feet outside the loosened strip needed by the developing roots of the row. Check root shoulders before lifting the row, and loosen the soil beside mature roots rather than pulling against resistance. Begin sampling the row when shoulders reach the diameter you want. Loosen the soil beside each developing root before lifting, trim tops promptly, cool roots in shade, and record which sowing date produced the best shape and tenderness.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Care level
Moderate
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, deep, stone-free soil so roots can enlarge without forking. A Chantenay type tolerates limited depth better than long carrots, but compaction and clods may still deform roots. Incorporate only mature compost and avoid fresh manure. Soil should remain evenly moist while draining excess water. In heavy ground, use a raised bed. A soil pH near 6.0 to 7.0 generally suits carrots, and testing should guide amendments.
Fertilization
Give 'Chantenay Big Ugly' a loose root zone amended with mature compost before sowing, then base any fertilizer on soil testing. When tending 'Chantenay Big Ugly', a restrained balanced feed supports tops without forcing the finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root. Apply only the labelled rate to moist soil and water granular product into the root zone. For 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot, fresh manure and excessive nitrogen can encourage branching, hairs, or foliage at the expense of the root. In containers, divide necessary feeding into smaller applications because drainage removes nutrients. Stop or reduce feeding when 'Chantenay Big Ugly' already shows balanced growth.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil without saturation
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot. Start 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot when its bed and the local frost pattern are ready; the supplied window is spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season. Sow approximately 6 mm deep and allow 10 to 21 days for emergence at 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C, then move seedlings promptly into strong light as soon as they appear. Direct-sow into deep, loose, stone-free soil; transplanting or hard clods can distort the finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root. Mark the row, water delicately before emergence, and remove competing weeds while they are still small enough to pull without disturbance. Thin seedlings early to the stated spacing by cutting extras rather than tugging against neighbouring roots, and keep the shoulders lightly covered. Maintain even moisture without saturation; long dry spells followed by heavy watering can produce cracking, coarse texture, or irregular growth. If potted, follow this provision for 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Recheck root-zone moisture whenever heat or wind increases evaporation. Carrot rust fly and exposed green shoulders deserve regular checks as the crop develops. Treat the supplied harvest guidance—harvest according to shoulder diameter and desired tenderness—as a starting point, then lift one sample to assess diameter, colour, and tenderness before clearing the row. For succession, make smaller sowings while enough cool-season time remains before local heat or hard freezing. At harvest, loosen the surrounding soil, trim foliage as appropriate, cool the crop promptly, and discard roots showing rot or serious damage.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep
Growing 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot in containers. For 'Chantenay Big Ugly', choose a container matching this guide: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Add a fine mulch only after establishment and keep crowns or shoulders uncovered as appropriate. 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot produces the expected harvest form: finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root. Protect the developing crop from soil splash and rough handling. Thin seedlings with scissors to protect the roots that remain. The spacing guidance for the row is sow 1 in apart, thin to 2 in, and space rows 12 in apart; use it when balancing airflow with the available growing area. Direct-sow the root crop rather than transplanting, then label the container and keep the surface evenly moist. Place this carrot in full sun to partial shade, while preserving drainage and airflow at root and leaf level. Avoid repeated nitrogen feeding and never place concentrated fertilizer against young roots. Because its habit is rosette of finely divided leaves above a short root, the crop needs enough room for routine care and neighbouring plants. For the row, keep foliage open to light, remove weeds shallowly, and cover exposed root shoulders with a little clean mix when needed. Sample one root first, loosen the surrounding mix, and lift the remainder without scraping neighbouring roots. Sample the root crop before lifting the whole container. Loosen mix beside the developing roots, harvest without twisting neighbouring roots, trim tops promptly, and refrigerate sound roots separately from foliage.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Foliage approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in), depending on growing conditions
Width / spread
Approximately 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Flower color
White
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Finely divided foliage in a rosette, dying back at season's end
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Rosette of finely divided leaves above a short root
Bloom period
Flowering is not wanted when growing carrots for roots. Carrot is biennial: a root that survives winter may produce a tall stem with white umbels in its second year. Harvest roots during the first season and remove any premature flower stalk promptly because bolting makes the root more fibrous and reduces culinary quality. Early flowering may be encouraged by stress or by a long cold period followed by warm weather. Keep sowings evenly watered and avoid unnecessary transplanting disturbance.
Fruiting
During its second year, carrot can produce flower umbels followed by small dry fruits containing the seeds. This stage is not required for harvesting roots. To collect seed where permitted, allow a few healthy roots to complete their cycle, gather umbels as they dry, and finish drying away from moisture. Cultivar fidelity is not assured without adequate isolation from other flowering carrots and wild carrots.
Days to maturity
Variable timing; harvest according to diameter and tenderness
Harvest
Harvest according to shoulder diameter and desired tenderness
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair 'Chantenay Big Ugly' only with shallow, promptly harvested crops that leave its loosened root zone undisturbed. In the 'Chantenay Big Ugly' planting, protect the soil above the finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root from trampling while companions are harvested. Match irrigation to each root zone instead of watering the entire combination by habit. Around 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot, remove any neighbour that begins competing for light, moisture, airflow, or harvest access. Rotation, shallow weeding, and inspection remain more dependable for 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot than any claim that one neighbour repels carrot pests. When arranging neighbours for 'Chantenay Big Ugly', leave enough room to loosen and lift the finely divided leaf rosette above a short, broad, conical root without uprooting the companion crop.
Plants to avoid
Avoid compact or stony soil, fresh manure, excess nitrogen, prolonged drought, and transplanting, which favour forked, fibrous, or split roots. Watch for carrot fly, root tunnels, and foliage diseases. Rotation with crops from another family helps reduce recurring problems.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Roots; young tops only when clean, healthy, and known to be carrot foliage
'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrot in the kitchen. Glazed 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrots — Scrub 600 g carrots and cut them into 2 cm chunks, keeping the pieces close in size. Warm 15 mL oil in a heavy skillet and brown the carrots for three minutes. Add 150 mL vegetable stock, cover, and simmer until a knife enters with slight resistance. Uncover and stir in 10 mL honey, 5 mL grated ginger, and 10 mL orange juice. Cook, tossing often, until the liquid coats the roots rather than pooling in the pan. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and finely grated orange zest just before serving. Their sturdy shape makes the pieces useful beside roast vegetables or over couscous with chickpeas. If a root is very large, split its core pieces smaller so the outside does not soften first. Keep unwashed soil away from clean utensils, rinse the sink after scrubbing, and use a separate board for ready-to-eat food. Refrigerate cooled leftovers promptly in a shallow covered container.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Is 'Chantenay Big Ugly' identical to 'Red Cored Chantenay'?
The name 'Big Ugly' is sometimes associated with a short, stout Chantenay carrot, and informal references sometimes connect it with 'Red Cored Chantenay'. That equivalence is not sufficiently confirmed. The product therefore remains identified as 'Chantenay Big Ugly' without assigning another cultivar, one precise root colour, or a fixed maturity period. For best results, grow it in fine, loose, deep, stone-free soil, maintain consistent moisture, and harvest when the shoulders reach the desired diameter and tenderness. When saving seed, keep plants isolated from other flowering carrots because cross-pollination can change the next generation, so label saved seed clearly before storage.
Why do carrots become forked or fibrous?
'Chantenay Big Ugly' naturally forms a short, broad, conical root, so do not mistake its stocky outline for a deformity. True forks appear when the growing tip divides after meeting a stone, compacted layer, fresh manure, or physical injury. Direct-sow about 6 mm deep into loosened soil and thin from the listed 1-inch sowing distance to 2 inches, preferably before roots entangle. This shape tolerates shallower ground better than a long carrot, but it still needs a crumbly, unobstructed zone. Fibrous texture is usually a harvest or moisture issue: prolonged dryness, abrupt soaking, and roots held too long can reduce tenderness. Because timing is variable for this cultivar, lift one representative root when the shoulder reaches the diameter you want. Judge tenderness in the kitchen, then harvest the rest at a similar stage rather than waiting for a universal calendar date.
Can 'Chantenay Big Ugly' be grown in a container?
Chantenay Big Ugly can grow in a container because its root is short, broad, and conical. Choose a well-drained pot at least 25 to 30 cm deep and fill it with loose, stone-free mix; hard lumps can distort roots. Direct-sow about 6 mm (¼ in) deep, since transplanting a carrot damages the taproot. Keep the surface evenly moist through the 10- to 21-day germination period. Thin seedlings to roughly 5 cm apart without pulling the roots you intend to keep. The container must remain uniformly moist but never waterlogged, especially as roots broaden. Exposed shoulders can be lightly covered to prevent greening. Harvest according to shoulder diameter and tenderness because the verified timing is variable. A broad pot allows several roots, provided spacing and depth are maintained throughout growth.
When should 'Chantenay Big Ugly' carrots be harvested?
Chantenay Big Ugly has no verified fixed maturity period in the current record, so harvest by root development. Gently uncover the shoulder and look for the diameter you want, then lift one sample from moist, workable soil. Its root is naturally short, broad, and conical; do not wait for the length of a Nantes-type carrot. Taste or cut the sample to assess tenderness before clearing the row. If the soil grips the root, loosen it alongside with a fork instead of pulling hard on the foliage. Leave smaller neighbours in place. Remove tops promptly from roots intended for storage, and keep any clean, correctly identified young foliage separate. Recording shoulder size and sowing date will provide a useful local reference for the next planting.
Will harvested seed remain true to 'Chantenay Big Ugly'?
Harvested Chantenay Big Ugly seed may remain true only if the flowering plants were correctly identified and isolated from other flowering carrots and wild relatives. Carrot is biennial: roots normally flower in their second year, not during the first-year harvest. Insects can carry pollen between compatible plants, so saving seed from an ordinary mixed garden does not guarantee the same short, broad roots. Retain several healthy, true-to-type roots for seed rather than selecting only one. Replant and label them, prevent unwanted compatible carrots from flowering nearby, and collect seed only from sound umbels. Dry and store it carefully. If isolation history is unknown, treat the saved seed as experimental and keep it separate from purchased Chantenay Big Ugly seed until the offspring can be evaluated.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Chantenay Big Ugly offers little to wildlife while managed as a first-year root crop. When a sound root survives into year two, it can raise broad white umbels visited by many small insects. Flowering makes the root woody and unsuitable for normal harvest. Retain a specimen only for planned seed work, with attention to crossing from nearby carrots or wild relatives.
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