Carrot Seeds, Purple Dragon

star-filled
4.2
44 Reviews
Sku:
#CR129
Min. seed count:
300
$3.50

Description

(Daucus carota). This variety has a gorgeous reddish-purple exterior and an unusually refined appearance. Bred by John Navazio, these carrots are known not only for their visual appeal but also for their unique flavor profile—sweet with a hint of spice, making them an excellent choice for adding both color and taste to your garden and table. Their vibrant purple skin is rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that offer additional health benefits beyond the typical nutrients found in carrots.

  • 70 days to maturity
  • 6-8 hours of 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

Purple Dragon carrots grow to about 6-8 inches long and are best suited for cool weather, making them perfect for spring and fall planting. They thrive in loose, well-drained soil and require consistent moisture to develop tender, flavorful roots. This variety is hardy across USDA zones 3-10 and can tolerate light frost, making it a versatile option for many regions. Additionally, they’re a good choice for container gardening, especially if you have limited space or less-than-ideal soil conditions.

When to Grow

Purple Dragon Carrots can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in late summer for a fall crop. They thrive in cool weather, making them ideal for spring and fall planting. The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 50 F and 75 F, and they typically take about 70 days to mature​.

How to Sow and Plant

Choose a location with loose, well-drained soil. Carrots do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Avoid heavy clay soils that can restrict root development. Direct sow the seeds 1/8 inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution. After seedlings emerge, thin them to 2-3 inches apart to allow room for the roots to grow.

How to Grow

Purple Dragon carrots require full sun for optimal growth, but they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Maintain even moisture in the soil to prevent the roots from splitting or becoming woody. These carrots are light feeders. A balanced fertilizer low in nitrogen is ideal to avoid excessive leafy growth at the expense of root development​.

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

How do I prevent my Purple Dragon carrots from becoming woody or splitting?
To avoid woody texture or splitting, ensure that the carrots receive consistent moisture. Avoid letting the soil dry out or become waterlogged. Proper spacing during thinning is also crucial to give each carrot enough room to grow​.

Can I grow Purple Dragon carrots in rocky or heavy soils?
While they prefer loose, well-drained soil, Purple Dragon Carrots are somewhat tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions. However, you may get shorter or misshapen roots in heavy or rocky soils. It's best to prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve its texture​.

Are Purple Dragon carrots resistant to pests and diseases?
Purple Dragon Carrots are generally hardy and not particularly susceptible to many diseases. However, they can still be affected by common carrot pests like carrot flies and aphids. Using row covers and practicing crop rotation can help manage these issues.

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Carrot Seeds, Purple Dragon
star-filled
4.2
Customer reviews (44)

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