Kuroda carrots are an heirloom variety that originated in Japan in the 1950s. This dark orange carrot is short with broad shoulders and a less pronounced taper at the bottom. These short, stocky carrots are renowned for their flavor, texture, and sweetness and make an excellent choice for juicing.
This variety is adaptable and grows in hard or rocky soils.
Kuroda carrots are more heat tolerant than other varieties and should be planted in early spring or fall when soil temperature is around 75ºF. Sow seeds directly in the ground in rows close together to ensure a solid stand of carrots and aid in weed control once tops get larger.
Kuroda carrots require constant moisture until seeds germinate. Once tops are about 2 inches tall, thin to 1-2 inches apart to allow for growth. Space rows 12 inches apart.
To harvest, gently pull carrots out by the green tops and wash off dirt. Each carrot should be between 5-8 inches long with a smooth, deep orange skin.
Carrot varieties will cross pollinate and should be isolated from other varieties by at least 2 miles to protect genetic purity. Dig up the carrots before the first heavy frost, twist off tops, and store in damp sand at 35ºF, making sure the roots don’t touch. Plant them in the garden again in the spring and wait for the plant to flower. When flower pods turn brown and dry, cut them off and allow them to fully dry before breaking them apart. Separate seeds from chaff and store in a cool, dry place for up to five years.