Carrot Seeds, Tendersweet

Tendersweet Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a beloved heirloom variety known for its exceptionally smooth texture, vibrant orange color, and sweet, juicy flavor. These long, tapered, coreless roots can reach up to 9 inches in length and are prized for their uniform shape and tender bite. Ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and cooking, Tendersweet Carrots are virtually stringless and retain their sweetness even when cooked. Highly adaptable, this variety thrives in loose, well-draining soils and consistently delivers high yields, making it a favorite among home gardeners and market growers.

Approximately 2,500 Seeds Per Pack
Type: Open-pollinated, Cool Season
USDA Zones: 3–9
Days to Germinate: 7–20 days
Days to Maturity: 70–80 days
Plant Height: 12–18 inches (foliage)
Root Length: 7–9 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Loose, Well-draining, Sandy or Loamy
Flavor: Sweet, tender, juicy
Use: Fresh eating, juicing, cooking, storage

Uses

Tendersweet Carrots are versatile and flavorful:

• Fresh: Crisp and sweet, perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
• Juicing: Yields a bright, naturally sweet juice.
• Cooking: Holds its sweetness when roasted, steamed, or sautéed.
• Storage: Retains quality when stored in a cool, dry place.

Growing Instructions

Direct-sow Tendersweet Carrot seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart for optimal root development. Carrots prefer loose, sandy, well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Maintain consistent moisture to prevent splitting. Harvest when roots reach 7–9 inches in length, typically within 70–80 days. For the best flavor, harvest before the ground freezes. Store in a cool, dark place for extended freshness.

Planting Tips

• Requires deep, loose soil for full-length roots
• Sow directly in cool soil for best germination
• Keep soil moist during the slow germination period
• Thin seedlings to avoid crowding and for proper shape
• Avoid high nitrogen soil—it encourages top growth over roots

Harvest & Use

• Harvest when roots reach full length and bright color
• Coreless texture is ideal for juicing or raw eating
• Excellent fresh, shredded, or lightly steamed
• Best flavor when grown in cool weather and harvested before overmaturity

 Companion Plants

• Good with: Lettuce, onions, peas, leeks
• Avoid planting near: Parsnips or dill (can cross-attract pests)

FAQs

Q: Do these have a hard core like store-bought carrots?
A: No—Tendersweet carrots are known for having no woody core. They're tender all the way through.

Q: Can I grow these in containers?
A: Only in very deep containers (12"+). They need room to grow long, straight roots.

Q: Are these good for juicing?
A: Yes—this is one of the best varieties for juicing due to its sweetness and smooth texture.