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Vegetables

Daucus carota 'Chantenay'

Chantenay carrot

Apiaceae Europe (cultivated origin)

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–10

Overview

Daucus carota 'Chantenay' is an open-pollinated carrot cultivar in the Apiaceae spp. family representing the Chantenay type — characterised by short, broad, conical roots 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm) long and 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) in diameter at the shoulder, tapering to a blunt or slightly rounded tip. The Chantenay type originated in France (named after the Chantenay district near Nantes) and was introduced to the US in the late 1800s. Flesh is deep orange, dense, and slightly coarse-grained compared to Nantes types, with a stronger "carrot" flavour. The short, stout root shape is adapted to heavy, shallow, or rocky soils where longer types (Imperator, Nantes) fork or stunt — making Chantenay the recommended type for clay and compacted soils. Days to maturity: 65–75 from direct sow. Open-pollinated; seed can be saved. The broad shoulder can turn green if exposed to light — mound soil over shoulders during growth. Stores 4–6 months at 32–34°F (0–1°C). Used commercially for canning, baby food, and processing due to the dense, high-colour flesh.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The Chantenay type originated in France and was introduced to the US in the late 1800s.

Suggested Uses

Cooking, canning, juicing, and processing. The dense, high-colour flesh and strong flavour suit cooked preparations — soups, stews, roasted vegetables. The broad shape produces thick slices for roasting. In home gardens on heavy soil, Chantenay types outperform longer-rooted cultivars. Open-pollinated heirloom suited to seed saving.

How to Identify

Identified by the short, broad, conical root 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm) long with a wide shoulder tapering to a blunt tip. Distinguished from Nantes types by the shorter, broader conical shape (Nantes are cylindrical with a blunt tip). Distinguished from Imperator types by the much shorter, wider root. The Chantenay shape is adapted to heavy soils.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'

Width/Spread2" - 3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Biennial. Flowers in second year. White compound umbels.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White (second year)

Foliage Description

Dark green, finely divided

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

65-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow 0.25 inch (6 mm) deep, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, rows 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. Soil 45°F (7°C)+. Thin to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm). Full sun, pH 6.0–6.8. Tolerates heavier soils than other carrot types — suited to clay-loam and compacted gardens. Mound soil over exposed shoulders to prevent greening. Water 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week.