Shin Kuroda Carrot Seeds - Daucus carota

Open-Pollinated Non-GMO Rare Shin Kuroda Carrot Seeds

This beloved Japanese heirloom is a true standout for its sweet flavor, smooth texture, and vibrant color. The Shin Kuroda—also known as Koyo—features short, broad-shouldered roots averaging around 5 inches in length, with a brilliant red-orange hue that signals its rich nutritional profile. Regionally treasured and has long been grown and loved in Japan and parts of Asia.

Renowned for its high sugar content and elevated beta-carotene levels (a precursor to Vitamin A), this carrot is a favorite across Asia and gaining popularity worldwide. It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for juicing, fresh snacking, steaming, or cooking—and maintains its sweetness and texture through all methods of preparation.

A dependable high-yielding variety, Shin Kuroda thrives in heavy soils and mild climates, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall plantings. It stores beautifully in the ground until hard frost and is well-suited for overwintering in regions with moderate winters.

Whether you’re a home gardener or market grower, this flavorful and adaptable heirloom is sure to become a favorite in your seasonal rotation.  Carrots are slow to germinate but the payoff is worth it!

Seed Profile

• Heirloom 

• Open-Pollinated

• Non-GMO

• Biennial: For seed saving

• Exposure : Partial- Full Sun

• Direct Sow: 25 days before last frost

• Seed Count: 600

• Days to Maturity: 70 - 75

• Plant Size: 9"-12"

Gardener's Tips

Wet soil before planting. Mix seeds with coffee grounds for better seed distribution. While seeds are germinating, keep soil evenly moist. Apply mulch once established. Prefers cool, moist soil. Plant every 3 weeks for successive harvest.

Should be directly seeded directly into the soil. They do not want their roots disrupted and want to be able to send them down as soon as they are planted. 

As an open-pollinated variety, these seeds can be saved and replanted with proper isolation techniques—perfect for gardeners seeking seed sovereignty.

Harvesting Tips

• Begin checking size around the 2-month mark from planting date.

• Check for size, the best indicator of maturity is diameter—aim for ½ to 1 inch across at the top of the root.

• Loosen Soil First: Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork before pulling to avoid breaking these vibrant roots.

• For an even sweeter flavor, wait until after a light frost—cooler temperatures convert starches into sugars.

• Remove tops immediately after harvesting to prevent moisture loss.

• Store roots in a cool, humid environment, like a fridge or root cellar.