Vampire Carrot (Longue Rouge Sang)

Known on our farm as the “Vampire” Carrot, this classic French heirloom (Longue Rouge Sang translates to long red blood) develops a stunning reddish-purple hue over its traditional orange root as it matures—an unexpected and beautiful surprise in the garden. With sweet flavour and crisp texture, it’s an excellent choice for raw snacking, juicing, or roasting. A great variety for new and experienced gardeners alike, especially when grown in deep, well-prepared soil. To avoid over-seeding, we recommend mixing the small seeds with fine sand or radish seed before sowing; the sand improves spacing and the radish marks the row by germinating early, leaving room for the carrots to grow.

Where Can You Grow Vampire Carrot?
This variety thrives in Zones 3–9 with full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Best results are seen in deep beds or raised containers where roots can grow long and straight.

History and Historical Uses
Longue Rouge Sang is a traditional French carrot variety known for its striking colour and reliable performance since at least 1897! The nickname “Vampire” comes from the dark reddish-purple pigmentation that intensifies as roots mature—linking modern garden fun with old-world heirloom traits.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow outdoors from February and again mid-summer for a second crop.
Zones 5–7: Sow 2–4 weeks before last frost and continue with succession plantings.
Zones 3–4: Start early under cover or in cold frames; mulch heavily to retain warmth.

How to Grow and Harvest Vampire Carrot
Planting: Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼in) deep, 2.5cm (1in) apart, in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Mix seed with sand or radish to improve spacing.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth.
Harvesting: Pick when roots reach full size or earlier for tender baby carrots.
Maintenance: Thin early; mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Biennial Crop: Let selected roots overwinter and flower the following year.
Isolation Distance: Separate carrot varieties by 1km to prevent cross-pollination.
Seed Harvesting: Collect seeds when dry and brown; clean and store well.
Storage: Store dry seed in a cool, dark place. Viable for 3–4 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)