Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red

Sku:
#CR132
Minimum seed count:
300
star-filled
3.6
41 Reviews
$4.00

Description

(Daucus carota). Our favorite carrot with its sweet, fruit-like flavor! This is a Japanese Kintoki-type (sweet red) carrot. These silky red carrots are grown near Kyoto, Japan, where they are traditionally eaten on the Japanese New Year, often carved into the shape of a plum blossom to represent fertility in the coming year. These carrots have an exceptional texture and a very sweet, slightly watermelon flavor. Long, tapered roots grow to 10 to 16 inches long. These reign supreme as a roasting, grilling, dessert, and fresh juicing carrot! Possibly the finest flavored carrot on the planet!

  • 70-90 days to maturity
  • Full sun
  • Sprouts in 12-18 days
  • Seed Depth: 1/8"
  • Plant Spacing: 2-3" 
  • Ideal Temperature: 50-75 F
  • Frost Hardy: Yes

Growing Tips

Start by preparing well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. This soil type ensures the roots grow straight and prevents deformities. It's important to choose a sunny location, as full sun is essential for optimal growth. Consistent moisture is key, particularly during the germination and early growth phases, to prevent the roots from becoming woody and to maintain their sweetness.

When to Grow

The ideal time to plant Kyoto Red carrots is in late summer to early fall. This variety thrives when planted for winter harvests, as exposure to light frosts enhances its sweetness and flavor. The carrots are quite frost-hardy, meaning they can survive and even benefit from freezing conditions. This makes them a perfect choice for gardeners looking to extend their growing season into the colder months. The timing allows the carrots to develop fully in cool weather, which is critical for achieving their characteristic rich taste.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Kyoto Red carrot seeds about 1/8 inch deep in rows that are spaced 12-18 inches apart. It's important to thin the seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they have grown a few inches tall. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to smaller or misshapen carrots. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution. The seeds typically take 12-18 days to germinate. Ensuring proper spacing and depth at planting will help the carrots develop long, straight roots, characteristic of this variety.

How to Grow

Regular thinning will ensure that each carrot has enough space to develop properly. Mulching is recommended to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which can otherwise compete with the carrots for nutrients. Consider using row covers or planting alongside companion plants like onions or leeks to deter carrot flies. When it comes to harvesting, wait until the carrots reach about 10-12 inches in length, typically after 70-90 days. Cooler temperatures, particularly after the first frost, will bring out the best flavor in these carrots.

How to Save

Carrots are biennials, meaning they flower in their second season of growth. They are insect-pollinated and require isolation from other carrot varieties to ensure pure seed. To collect seeds, leave a few carrots in the ground over winter, as each plant produces a significant amount of seed. In the following season, these plants will produce an umbel of flowers. Allow the umbels to remain on the plant until they are completely dry, at which point the seeds can be easily shaken off and stored in refrigeration for up to three years.

FAQ

Can Kyoto Red carrots handle frost?
Yes, Kyoto Red carrots are frost-tolerant and can even develop a sweeter flavor after exposure to light frost, making them ideal for winter harvesting.

How long do Kyoto Red carrots take to mature?
These carrots typically reach maturity in 70 to 90 days.

What is the best time for harvesting Kyoto Red carrots?
The optimal time for harvesting is after the first frost, but they can be picked anytime they reach their full size, which is about 10-12 inches long.

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Carrot Seeds, Kyoto Red
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