Tendersweet Carrot Seeds – Heirloom Non-GMO

Tendersweet Carrot

Grow a classic garden carrot celebrated for its sweetness, tender texture and long, smooth roots.

Tendersweet Carrot, botanically known as Daucus carota subsp. sativus, is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety that produces deep orange to orange-red roots with a fine texture and nearly coreless interior.

Under suitable growing conditions, the long, tapered roots may reach approximately 7–10 inches. Tendersweet is particularly well suited to loose garden soil, raised beds and sufficiently deep containers.

The flavorful carrots may be enjoyed fresh from the garden or used for salads, roasting, cooking, baking, juicing, freezing and other culinary preparations.

Product Highlights

• Heirloom Tendersweet carrot seeds
• Non-GMO and open-pollinated variety
• Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Long, smooth and tapered roots
• Deep orange to orange-red color
• Nearly coreless interior
• Sweet flavor with a crisp, tender texture
• Roots commonly reach approximately 7–10 inches
• Approximately 70–80 days to maturity
• Cool-season root vegetable
• Suitable for spring and fall planting
• Performs well in gardens, raised beds and deep containers
• Excellent for fresh eating, roasting, cooking, juicing and freezing

Plant Profile

Common Name	Carrot
Variety	Tendersweet
Botanical Name	Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Botanical Order	Apiales
Seed Type	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO
Life Cycle	Biennial; commonly grown as an annual vegetable
Growth Habit	Upright foliage with a long taproot
Root Color	Deep orange to orange-red
Root Shape	Long, smooth and tapered
Root Length	Commonly approximately 7–10 inches, depending on growing conditions
Root Diameter	May reach approximately 1 1/2–2 inches at the shoulder
Days to Maturity	Approximately 70–80 days
Germination Time	Commonly 10–21 days
Best Germination Temperature	Approximately 55–65°F
Minimum Soil Temperature	Approximately 40°F
Planting Depth	Approximately 1/4 inch; up to 1/2 inch in light soil
Final Plant Spacing	Approximately 2–3 inches
Row Spacing	Approximately 12–18 inches
Sunlight	Full sun
Water Needs	Moderate and consistent
Soil Preference	Deep, loose, fertile and well-drained
Preferred Soil pH	Approximately 6.0–7.0
Planting Season	Spring and fall
Hardiness	Grown as an annual crop across USDA Zones 2–11
Container Suitable	Yes, in a sufficiently deep container

A Classic Heirloom Carrot

Tendersweet appeared in American seed catalogs by the 1930s. Historical descriptions praised the variety for its smooth shape, deep orange-red color, tender texture, fine flavor and nearly coreless roots.

These qualities continue to make Tendersweet a useful home-garden variety for growers seeking long, flavorful carrots rather than short or round container types.

Because Tendersweet is open-pollinated, it maintains the traditional characteristics associated with this named heirloom variety when properly grown and isolated.

Why Grow Tendersweet Carrots?

Tendersweet is valued primarily for its eating quality. The roots combine a naturally sweet flavor with a fine, crisp texture that becomes tender when cooked.

The nearly coreless interior provides an even texture throughout the root. Long, smooth carrots are attractive for fresh garden harvests and convenient for slicing, grating, roasting and juicing.

The variety also works well for succession planting. Gardeners may make several sowings during suitable cool weather to extend the harvest season.

Recommended Garden Uses

Tendersweet carrots may be grown in:

• Traditional vegetable gardens
• Raised garden beds
• Deep outdoor containers
• Kitchen gardens
• Market gardens
• Spring vegetable gardens
• Fall vegetable gardens
• Succession plantings

Carrots develop their edible roots beneath the soil. Deep, loose soil is especially important for a long-rooted variety such as Tendersweet.

Direct Sowing Recommended

Carrots should generally be sown directly in their permanent growing location.

The taproot begins developing shortly after germination. Starting carrot seedlings in pots and transplanting them may disturb the root, resulting in forked, twisted or shortened carrots.

Direct sowing allows the root to develop naturally without transplant stress.

When to Plant

Spring Planting

Direct-sow Tendersweet carrots approximately 2–3 weeks before the expected final spring frost, once the soil can be worked.

Carrot seeds can begin germinating when soil temperatures reach approximately 40°F, but germination is generally faster and more uniform around 55–65°F.

Fall Planting

For a fall crop, sow approximately 10–12 weeks before the expected first hard fall frost. Allow enough time for the roots to mature as temperatures become cooler.

In hot climates, carrots may perform best when planted during fall, winter or early spring rather than during the hottest part of summer.

Succession Planting

For an extended harvest, make additional sowings approximately every three weeks while temperatures remain suitable.

Seed Preparation

Tendersweet carrot seeds do not require scarification, stratification or soaking before planting.

Because carrot seeds are small, they may be mixed with a small amount of dry sand when sowing if more even distribution is desired.

Prepare the planting area before sowing. Break apart soil clumps and remove rocks, roots and other obstructions that could interfere with taproot development.

Direct-Sowing Instructions

1. Select a location receiving full sun.
2. Loosen the soil deeply and remove stones, hard clumps and other obstructions.
3. Create a shallow planting furrow.
4. Sow seeds lightly and evenly approximately 1/4 inch deep. Seeds may be planted up to 1/2 inch deep in light, sandy soil.
5. Gently firm the soil over the seeds.
6. Water with a fine spray to avoid washing the small seeds away.
7. Keep the soil surface consistently moist during germination.
8. Expect seedlings to emerge in approximately 10–21 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture.
9. When seedlings develop three or four true leaves, thin them to approximately 2–3 inches apart.
10. Leave approximately 12–18 inches between rows.
11. Continue watering consistently while the roots develop.
12. Harvest when the roots reach the desired size, commonly approximately 70–80 days after sowing.

Germination and Early Seedling Care

Carrot seeds germinate slowly compared with many other garden vegetables. The seeds may require as long as three weeks to emerge.

Do not allow the upper soil layer to dry completely during this period. A dry or crusted soil surface can prevent the small seedlings from emerging successfully.

A thin layer of fine compost, vermiculite or loose soil may help retain surface moisture. Use gentle watering so the seeds remain in place.

Young carrot seedlings initially produce thin, grass-like leaves. Later foliage becomes more finely divided and fern-like.

Thinning

Proper thinning is essential for producing well-shaped carrots.

Crowded seedlings compete for light, water and root space, often producing small or twisted carrots. Thin seedlings when they develop three or four true leaves.

Leave approximately 2–3 inches between plants. Wider spacing may produce larger roots, while closer spacing generally produces narrower carrots.

If the soil is dry or the seedlings are tightly crowded, snip unwanted seedlings at soil level instead of pulling them to avoid disturbing nearby roots.

Sunlight Requirements

Tendersweet carrots perform best in full sun, with approximately six or more hours of direct sunlight daily.

Some light afternoon shade may be helpful in areas with intense summer heat. Excessive shade, however, may produce weak foliage and slow root development.

Soil Preparation

For long, straight roots, plant Tendersweet in deep, loose and well-drained soil.

Heavy clay, compacted soil, stones and undecomposed organic material may cause the developing roots to fork, twist or become misshapen.

Before planting:

• Loosen the soil deeply
• Remove stones and hard clumps
• Break apart compacted layers
• Incorporate finished compost when needed
• Avoid fresh manure
• Make sure excess water can drain freely

A sandy loam or loose garden soil is particularly suitable for long-rooted carrots.

Watering

Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout germination and root development.

Carrots that experience extreme wet-to-dry changes may develop cracked, bitter, fibrous or irregular roots. Water deeply enough to moisten the root zone while allowing excess water to drain.

Avoid constant saturation. Overwatering and poor drainage may contribute to root disease and excessive fine root growth.

Mulching after the seedlings become established can help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and reduce weeds.

Fertilizing

Use fertilizer according to a soil test whenever possible.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen may encourage heavy top growth while producing forked, hairy or poorly developed roots.

If additional nutrients are required, use a balanced fertilizer according to its label directions and avoid placing concentrated fertilizer directly against the roots.

Growing in Raised Beds

Raised beds are an excellent option for Tendersweet carrots because the soil can be prepared deeply and kept loose.

Fill the bed with a fine, well-draining soil mixture. Remove sticks, rocks and large pieces of undecomposed material before sowing.

Raised beds may dry more quickly than in-ground gardens, so check moisture regularly during germination and hot weather.

Growing in Containers

Tendersweet may be grown in a deep outdoor container with adequate drainage.

Because this variety produces long roots, select a container preferably 12 inches deep or deeper. Fill it with a loose, stone-free potting mixture.

Place the container in full sun and monitor moisture carefully. Container soil can dry more quickly than garden soil, particularly during warm or windy weather.

Never allow the container to remain in standing water.

Weed Management

Carrot seedlings grow slowly and do not compete well with weeds during early development.

Remove weeds carefully while they are small. Use shallow cultivation to avoid cutting or disturbing the developing carrot roots.

Mulch may be placed around established seedlings, but avoid covering the plant crowns.

Harvesting

Tendersweet carrots may be harvested whenever the roots reach a useful size.

Full-size roots commonly mature in approximately 70–80 days, although harvest timing depends on planting date, temperature, soil, spacing and moisture.

To check root size, gently brush soil away from the shoulder of one carrot. The exposed shoulder provides an indication of the root’s diameter.

Water the soil before harvest if it is dry. Loosen the surrounding soil with a garden fork, then lift the carrot carefully to reduce the chance of breaking the long root.

Culinary Uses

Tendersweet carrots are suitable for:

• Fresh garden snacks
• Salads and slaws
• Roasting
• Soups and stews
• Baking
• Sautéing
• Juicing
• Freezing
• Pickling
• Vegetable side dishes

The sweet flavor and nearly coreless texture make this variety particularly appealing for fresh eating and juicing.

Common Growing Problems

Slow or Uneven Germination: Maintain consistent surface moisture and prevent the soil from forming a hard crust.

Forked or Twisted Roots: Remove stones and soil clumps, loosen compacted soil and avoid transplanting seedlings.

Small Roots: Thin crowded seedlings and provide consistent sunlight, moisture and growing space.

Cracked Roots: Avoid extreme changes between dry and saturated soil.

Hairy Roots: Reduce excessive watering and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Bitter or Tough Carrots: Maintain consistent moisture and grow the crop during cooler weather.

Green Shoulders: Cover exposed root shoulders lightly with soil to prevent sunlight from causing green coloration.

Package Contents

• One packet of Tendersweet carrot seeds
• Heirloom, open-pollinated and Non-GMO variety
• Seeds only—live plants, soil, containers and growing supplies are not included
• Seeds are intended for planting and gardening purposes

Natural Seed Notice

Seed germination and plant performance depend on seed freshness, soil preparation, temperature, moisture, planting depth, spacing, sunlight, weather and individual gardening practices.

Maintaining a consistently moist seedbed and loose, stone-free soil can improve establishment and root development. However, germination and harvest results may vary, and germination of every individual seed cannot be guaranteed.