West Coast Seeds (Royal Chantenay Carrots)

Expect good flavour and an ideal shape for juicing. Also good for freezing and canning. These big, dark orange carrots are 12-15cm (5-6") long, amazingly sweet. Royal Chantenay carrot seeds produce roots that grow to a uniform size and shape, so they are perfect for the market garden. These carrots are big and chunky, and can be grown to a really hefty size. Royal Chantenay is the standard carrot for heavy or shallow soils. The flesh has a fine grain and is reddish orange inside and out. Since it was first made available in 1952, it counts as an heirloom seed.

TIPS: Carrots can be harvested at any size, but flavour is best when the carrot has turned bright orange - or its other mature colour. After harvest, store at cold temperatures just above 0ºC. Store in sand or sawdust, or simply leave carrots under heaped soil in the garden during the winter, and pull as needed.