Dragon Carrot Seeds

$4.29

Dragon carrot is an heirloom that was bred by the famed plant breeder Dr. John Navazio, combining the desirable traits of the Kuroda and Chantenay varieties. This extraordinary carrot mesmerizes with its stunning deep purple exterior that contrasts beautifully with a bright orange interior.

The Dragon carrot boasts elongated and slender roots, reminiscent of the Kuroda carrot. However, it also exhibits a delightful conical shape, a feature of the Chantenay variety. Best picked when 6-8 inches long, its adaptability and resilience shine through in various garden environments, from well-drained, sandy soils to heavier, loamy ones, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. 

Dragon carrots are favored not just for their appearance, but also their exceptional taste, making them a sought-after variety for culinary enthusiasts. Their flavour profile is characterized by a delightful balance of sweetness, complemented by a subtle earthy undertone.

 

- Latin Name: Daucus carota var. sativus
- Days to Maturity: 75
- Life Cycle: Biennial, usually grown as an annual
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 8-9
- Start Indoors or Cold Frame: Does not transplant very well, should be directly sown.
- Direct Sowing: 2-4 weeks before last spring frost until midsummer or 90 days before fall frost.
- Planting Depth: 1 cm
- Days to Germination: 7-21
- Germination Optimal Soil Temperature: 22-28°C
( Keep soil moist so it doesn't crust before the seedlings emerge.) 
- Seed Spacing: 10-12 seeds every 10 cm
- Thinning Seedlings: 2-5 cm apart
- Row Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Plant Height: 15-45 cm
- Harvest: Can be dug anytime after they reach the desired size. Sow every 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
- Winter Storage: Sow about 100 days before heavy frosts. Cover unwashed carrots with sand and keep them in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area for up to 6 months. 
- Average Seeds Needed Per 10 m Row: 1000
- Average Yield Per 10 m Row: 30 lb.


GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The quintessential root crop, homegrown carrots are a beautiful burst of color and fresh flavor. This vegetable is a staple crop for many reasons: multiple harvests can be had per season, an abundant yield is produced in a dense space, carrots are cheap and easy to grow and the taste and nutrition are supreme.

Because it is the root that is desired, carrots should not be transplanted, only sown directly into a bed. Take extra time to ensure the soil is well loosened, as fine as possible, 30 cm or deeper and free of debris. Seeds should be sown directly 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, or 90 days before the first frost. Be faithful and patient, germination can take up to 21 days.

With the handle of a garden tool draw out the tiniest trench, about 1 cm deep. Space rows 45-60 cm apart and deposit seeds, 1 every cm, into the small trough. Just barely cover the trench with the excess soil and firm the seeds into place with gentle compression. Water well with a mist setting if possible. Seeds can easily be dislodged and washed away. A constant moisture level is extremely important throughout the germination process.

Thin to 4-10 cm apart when the greens are 2 cm tall. The thinning process is also crucial, the carrots will not thrive if they are overcrowded and competing for resources.

Once thinned, add mulch around the base of the greens. This will retain moisture and smother weeds. Be vigilant about removing any weeds that do spring up and cover exposed crowns to prevent greening. Carrots will typically be ready to harvest in 60-80 days. They can be pulled selectively at any size or left underground to grow larger.

QUICK FACTS

- The original wild ancestor of the carrot originated in Afghanistan, but it's in central Asia that they were first cultivated for their aromatic seeds and leaves. One of the naturally occurring subspecies of the wild carrot was bred over centuries to reduce bitterness, increase sweetness and minimize the woody core. Around the first century AD, the Romans started cultivating carrots for their roots. This process produced the familiar garden vegetable that we know today. During the 17th century, productive varieties of orange carrots were developed by the Dutch, and it became their best-known colour, but carrots also come in white, yellow, red and purple.

- Some close relatives of the wild carrot are still grown today for their leaves and seeds, such as parsley, cilantro, coriander, fennel, anise, dill and cumin.

- Carrot seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.

OUR SEED GUARANTEE

You know that a lush, fruitful garden needs good soil, frequent watering, and sunlight to grow, but it’s the seeds that really make the harvest.

Picked and bagged for 2024 the vast majority of our seeds have germination rates of over 85%. The seeds are all-natural, non-GMO, non-hybrid, untreated, and open-pollinated for seed saving.

We have put a lot of thoughts into the design and packaging of our seed packets. Our seeds are all carefully packed in food grade kraft paper/aluminium zipper lock bags, and then are shipped in eco-friendly padded mailers.

We heat-seal each of our seed packet for even more protection from moisture, odour and light, allowing you to store your seeds for up to 3x longer than paper or plastic. Plant them all, germinate some indoors, save some for next season - it’s up to you!