How to Grow Mignon Red Carrot
Mignon Red Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
vegetableMignon Red is a specialty carrot variety featuring deep red-purple roots with a sweet, tender flavor and smooth texture. These small, finger-sized carrots are ideal for fresh eating, garnishing, and cooking whole. They mature quickly and are popular in gourmet cooking and farmers' markets.
When should you plant Mignon Red Carrot in your zone?
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Example Mignon Red Carrot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mignon Red 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 Mignon Red Carrot
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mignon Red Carrot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; grows year-round in mild climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny feathery leaves emerge, appearing delicate and hair-like. Roots begin developing underground.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart when 2-3 leaves appear. Do not let soil crust over.
Root Development
3-4 weeksRoots expand and develop their characteristic deep red-purple color. Foliage becomes fuller and darker green.
Maintain consistent watering to prevent splitting. Keep roots covered with soil to prevent greening. Side-dress with compost if needed.
Maturity
1-2 weeksRoots reach 3-4 inches long, small finger-sized carrots with vibrant red-purple color. Shoulders may show at soil surface.
Monitor for root development; can harvest at any size. Light mulch prevents light exposure and greening.
Harvest
Harvest window: 1-4 weeksRoots are crisp, tender, and sweet, ready for pulling. May harvest at any stage from 'baby' to full size.
Loosen soil before pulling to avoid breaking roots. Harvest in morning when roots are most hydrated. Store properly for extended shelf life.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until plants are 3 inches tall. Intercrop with onions or leeks. Remove infested roots immediately.
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Trap with potato pieces buried in soil. Practice crop rotation. Remove debris where larvae overwinter.
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Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with neem oil if infestation appears.
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and
Handpick at night. Use copper tape or diatomaceous earth barriers. Keep area dry.
Uses
Fresh eating and gourmet cooking
CulinaryMignon Red carrots have exceptional sweetness and tender texture making them perfect for raw consumption, salads, and whole roasting or steaming. Their small size and striking color make them popular in fine dining presentations. [source]
Juice and smoothies
CulinaryHigh natural sugar content and deep color make these carrots ideal for fresh juicing and blended beverages, providing vibrant nutrition and flavor. [source]
Ornamental garnish and presentation
HouseholdThe distinctive deep red-purple color and uniform small size make Mignon Red carrots striking visual elements for plated dishes and vegetable arrangements at farmers' markets. [source]
Beta-carotene and antioxidant source
MedicinalDeeply colored red carrots contain high levels of beta-carotene and lycopene, supporting eye health and providing antioxidant benefits. [source]
Pickling and preserving
CulinaryThe small, uniform size of Mignon Red carrots makes them ideal for whole pickling, fermenting, and canning in both sweet and savory preparations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest Mignon Red carrots when roots are 3-4 inches long, typically 50-65 days after planting. They can be harvested earlier as 'baby' carrots (1-2 inches) for tenderness or left longer if desired. Gently loosen soil with a fork before pulling to avoid breaking roots. Harvest in the morning when roots are most crisp and hydrated. Remove foliage immediately after harvest and store roots in a cool (32-40°F), humid environment (90-95% humidity) in plastic bags for up to 3 weeks, or longer in cold storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mignon Red carrots are actually a modern development combining traditional carrot genetics with deep red-purple pigmentation, originally developed in specialty breeding programs to add visual and culinary interest to gourmet vegetable markets.
- 🌱 The deep red color comes from high concentrations of lycopene (the same compound that makes tomatoes red), making them nutritionally distinct from traditional orange varieties.
- 🌱 These small finger-sized carrots represent a trend toward 'gourmet' or 'specialty' vegetables that appeal to chefs and home gardeners seeking unique colors, flavors, and presentation options beyond standard carrot varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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