Chantenay Carrot
Oxheart Carrot is a French heirloom that produces massive, blunt-ended roots reaching up to one pound each, known locally as Guerande in its native France. First introduced to the United States in the late 19th century, this variety remains a gem for gardeners dealing with heavy or shallow soils where traditional long carrots struggle. Brilliant orange roots mature in 90 days and deliver crisp, sweet, mild flavor despite their impressive size. The compact, heart-shaped form makes them excellent for storage and suited to small-space gardens.
2-3 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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Oxheart Carrot's chunky, blunt-ended roots are specifically engineered by nature to excel in challenging soil conditions that defeat other varieties. A single root can weigh a pound, yet the flesh stays remarkably sweet and tender. Seed scarcity from this shy producer actually speaks to its authenticity as a true heirloom, making it a treasure worth seeking out for gardeners who understand that heirloom vegetables demand a little extra patience.
Oxheart Carrots shine in long-term storage, making them a cornerstone of winter root cellars and cool season eating. Their large size and dense flesh suit them to roasting, braising, and slow-cooking applications where they absorb surrounding flavors while maintaining their structural integrity. The blunt shape also makes them easier to peel and prepare than tapered varieties, and their sweet, mild character works beautifully in both savory and slightly sweet preparations.
Direct sow Oxheart Carrot seed by digging a shallow furrow and lightly covering the seed. Sow directly into the garden where you want them to grow, as carrots do not transplant well.
Oxheart Carrots are ready to harvest at 90 days from sowing. For maximum sweetness and tenderness, harvest when roots are between 1/2 and 3/4 inches in diameter. Before harvesting, irrigate the soil well so the roots have absorbed their maximum water content. For smaller roots, grip the carrot firmly at the base of the foliage, push down, and twist as you pull up. For larger roots destined for winter storage, carefully ease them up using a garden fork to avoid breaking. You can harvest in stages as carrots reach maturity, extending your harvest window over several weeks.
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“This distinctive carrot traces its roots to France, where it earned the name Guerande for its broad, heart-shaped roots and impressive vigor in difficult growing conditions. The variety made its way across the Atlantic in the late 19th century, where American gardeners quickly recognized its unique advantages for heavy and shallow soils. Its reluctance to produce seed prolifically meant the variety nearly faded from cultivation, but dedicated heirloom seed savers have preserved it to the present day, ensuring that home gardeners can still experience this French culinary tradition.”