How to Grow Chantenay Extra Select Carrot
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Chantenay Extra Select Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
vegetableChantenay Extra Select is a French heirloom carrot variety prized for its short, stocky roots and deep orange color. Known for exceptional sweetness and tender texture, it's ideal for fresh eating and storage. This variety is particularly well-suited to heavy or clay soils due to its compact root shape.
When should you plant Chantenay Extra Select Carrot in your zone?
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Example Chantenay Extra Select Carrot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chantenay Extra Select Carrot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chantenay Extra Select Carrot
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chantenay Extra Select Carrot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; can be grown spring through fall in most regions
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Get my Chantenay Extra Select Carrot timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with thread-like cotyledons. Root development begins underground as true leaves form.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Maintain warm soil temperatures (60-70°F ideal). Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 1-2 inches tall by pinching off extras rather than pulling.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksFeathery green foliage develops with true leaves appearing. Underground, the tap root elongates and begins to thicken at the crown.
Ensure consistent watering. Remove any weeds competing for nutrients and moisture. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin light feeding if soil is poor.
Root Development
3-4 weeksLeafy green tops grow vigorously while the root system develops its characteristic short, stocky, wedge-shaped form. Shoulders of the root swell and deepen in orange color.
Maintain even soil moisture to prevent cracking and misshapen roots. Thin weeds aggressively. Apply balanced fertilizer mid-season if foliage appears pale. Keep roots covered with soil to prevent green shoulders.
Maturation
1-2 weeks before harvest readinessRoots reach full size (typically 4-5 inches long and 1.5-2 inches in diameter) with deep orange color throughout. Foliage remains green and healthy.
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars and flavor. Taste a sample root to check for sweetness and tenderness. Stop fertilizing. Mulch heavily for fall harvest storage.
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing through maturityRoots are pulled from the ground, cleaned, and tops removed. Properly stored carrots can remain fresh for months in cool conditions.
Harvest in morning or evening when soil is moist. Gently loosen soil before pulling to avoid root damage. Remove foliage completely (1 inch from crown) to prevent moisture loss. Store in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions with sand or peat moss.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers until plants are established. Interplant with onions or chives. Remove affected foliage immediately. Apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation occurs.
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Rotate crops. Plant resistant varieties when possible. Use marigolds as cover crop. Maintain soil health with compost additions.
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Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected leaves. Encourage beneficial insects with flowering plants nearby.
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and
Remove debris and mulch heavily after plants are established. Hand-pick in evening. Use copper barriers or diatomaceous earth around plants.
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Protect seedlings with collars made from paper cups or cardboard. Remove debris around plants. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if severe.
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryChantenay Extra Select carrots are prized for their exceptional sweetness and tender flesh, making them ideal for eating raw in salads, juicing, or light cooking. The short, stocky shape makes them especially attractive for whole presentations. [source]
Storage and preservation
CulinaryThese carrots store exceptionally well in cool conditions for 4-6 months, providing fresh vegetables throughout winter. They are excellent for canning, fermenting, and root cellar storage. [source]
Nutritional and health benefits
MedicinalCarrots are rich in beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants like lutein. Regular consumption supports eye health, immune function, and digestive wellness. [source]
Natural dye production
HouseholdCarrot tops and roots can be used to create natural orange and yellow dyes for fabrics and craft projects through a simple boiling and mordant process. [source]
Beneficial insect attraction
WildlifeFlowering carrot plants (left to bolt) attract beneficial pollinators and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests, supporting overall garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Chantenay Extra Select carrots are ready to harvest at 65-75 days but can be harvested earlier for smaller, tender roots. Harvest when shoulders reach 0.75-1 inch in diameter. Gently loosen soil with a fork before pulling to minimize root breakage. For fall harvest storage, pull after first light frost for maximum sweetness. Twist off foliage rather than cutting to prevent rot. Store in cold (32-40°F), humid conditions layered in sand or peat moss for up to 6 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chantenay is named after Chantenay, a commune near Angers in France's Loire Valley, where this heirloom variety was developed in the 19th century.
- 🌱 The short, chunky root shape of Chantenay carrots makes them ideal for growing in heavy clay soils and raised beds with limited depth—unlike long varieties that require deep, loose soil.
- 🌱 Carrots were originally purple, not orange; the orange color became dominant after Dutch growers selected for it in the 17th century, possibly as a tribute to the House of Orange.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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