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Carrot Seeds, Gniff
Description
(Daucus carota). Flavorsome roots that make delicious, lavender-hued juice and desserts! A delicious beauty from the Tessin region of Switzerland. These amethyst-colored carrots were rediscovered in the 1950s in the picturesque Alps village of Bre, where local women grew them for sale at farmers' markets. “Gniff” is translated to “purple” in the local dialect. These express a range of colors, from its purple exterior to its violet-hued interior. This flavorful carrot is traditionally pickled. A similar type was last described by Vilmorin in 1856 as a “sweet, purple carrot with a pale yellow heart.”
- 100+ days to maturity
- Full sun
- Sprouts in 12-18 days
- Seed Depth: 1/8"
- Plant Spacing: thin to 2-3"
- Ideal Temperature: 50-75 F
- Frost Hardy: Yes
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
To grow Gniff carrots successfully, choose a location with full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Carrots prefer loose soil that allows their roots to develop without obstruction, so it's important to remove any stones or debris from the planting area. Maintaining consistent moisture is key to preventing the roots from becoming woody, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
When to Grow
Gniff carrot is a cool-season crop that thrives when grown in spring or fall. For spring planting, sow the seeds 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost. In warmer climates, fall planting is ideal, as the cooler temperatures enhance the sweetness of the roots. This variety reaches maturity in about 100 days or more, so plan your planting accordingly based on your local growing season. If you're unsure of the frost dates in your area, consider looking them up based on your USDA hardiness zone.
How to Sow and Plant
To sow Gniff carrot seeds, prepare a finely tilled seedbed. Direct sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Carrot seeds are tiny and should be sown thinly to reduce the need for thinning later. After sowing, gently water the bed to keep the soil evenly moist. Carrots can be slow to germinate, taking anywhere from 12-18 days depending on soil temperature. To help maintain moisture, cover the rows with a light layer of mulch or a floating row cover until the seeds germinate.
How to Grow
Gniff carrots do best when the soil is kept consistently moist, especially during dry periods, as inconsistent watering can cause the roots to split. Fertilize sparingly, as too much nitrogen can result in lush tops but poor root development. Regular weeding is important to prevent competition for nutrients and space, but be careful when hoeing to avoid disturbing the carrot roots.
How to Save
Carrots are biennials, meaning they flower in their second season of growth. They are insect-pollinated and require isolation from other carrot varieties to ensure pure seed. To collect seeds, leave a few carrots in the ground over winter, as each plant produces a significant amount of seed. In the following season, these plants will produce an umbel of flowers. Allow the umbels to remain on the plant until they are completely dry, at which point the seeds can be easily shaken off and stored in refrigeration for up to three years.
FAQ
Can I grow Gniff carrots in containers?
Yes, they can be grown in deep containers that provide at least 12-18 inches of soil depth. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a loose, sandy potting mix.
How do I know when Gniff carrots are ready to harvest?
These carrots are typically ready to harvest when their shoulders are about 1 inch in diameter and have developed their characteristic purple color, which happens 100+ days after sowing. Gently pull one carrot to check its size before harvesting the entire crop.
What can I do if my Gniff carrots are splitting?
Carrot splitting is often caused by inconsistent watering or sudden heavy rain after a dry spell. To prevent this, try to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
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