'Chantenay' carrot on ribbon
identification
description
'Chantenay' carrot on ribbon (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), offered by the seed company McKenzie
The 'Chantenay' carrot is a highly prized heritage variety , renowned for its short, conical, and robust roots , perfectly suited to heavy, clay, or shallow soils . Its compact shape and broad neck allow it to thrive where longer carrots are less successful. It offers tender, crisp, and naturally sweet flesh , ideal for both fresh eating and cooking and preserving.
Presented on a tape , this carrot makes sowing simple, precise, and accessible , even for beginner gardeners. The tape ensures even spacing between seeds, significantly reduces thinning , and facilitates maintenance in the vegetable garden, raised beds, or containers. Prized for its mild and reliable flavor , the 'Chantenay' carrot is also a healthy choice , rich in vitamin A and fiber , and particularly enjoyable when eaten raw.
Latin name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Variety type: Heritage (Chantenay)
Seed type: On tape
Growth habit/spread: Short, conical root, easy to harvest
Foliage height: Approximately 25 to 35 cm
Root color: Intense orange
Texture: Crispy, tender and sweet flesh
Tolerance: Good tolerance to heavy soils and 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. The 'Chantenay' carrot thrives in a sunny location , promoting even growth and good root coloration. Prepare well-loosened soil, even if it is naturally compact , and enrich it with organic matter to support steady growth.
Make shallow furrows, lay the seed tape, water gently, and then cover with fine soil. It is important to keep the soil moist , but not soggy, throughout germination, which can be gradual. Staggered sowings every 2 to 3 weeks will ensure continuous harvests from early summer until autumn.
Growing tips
The 'Chantenay' carrot is easy to grow and requires little intervention. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, promotes well-formed roots and prevents bitterness. To check if watering is necessary, insert a finger into the soil about 5 cm deep: if the soil is dry to this depth, water gently. Maintaining consistent moisture helps prevent split or forked roots.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvesting typically begins a few weeks after sowing , when the roots reach a pleasing size. For optimal flavor , harvest before the roots become too large. Lightly covering exposed shoulders with soil helps prevent greening.
Carrots keep very well in a cool, humid place, making them an ideal variety for storage.
Usage ideas
• Diced carrots, convenient and uniform
• Soups, purées and stews
• Boiling, steaming, or roasting
• Fresh, crunchy and sweet to eat
• Excellent for freezing and canning
The 'Chantenay' carrot, grown on tape from McKenzie Seeds, is a reliable, easy-to-grow, and trustworthy choice , offering dependability, natural sweetness, and excellent adaptation to difficult soils . A productive and consistent heirloom variety, it's ideal for gardeners who want good results without any fuss .
