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Compact root vegetable
Apiaceae
Organic root vegetable seeds
Organic purple 'Dragon' carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Product code : BIOVO-0022
Organic purple 'Dragon' carrot, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, produces Chantenay-type roots with magenta-purple skin and an orange-to-yellow interior. A general 65-to-90-day reference helps plan checking, but diameter and tenderness determine harvest. Direct-sow 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart, then thin to 2 inches. Leave 12 inches between rows. Roots reach approximately 7 inches and add contrasting colour to raw plates, salads, pickles, and roasted dishes. Loose, stone-free, evenly moist soil supports uniform growth. This biennial is grown as an annual vegetable and receives no hardiness zone. Dated labels make successive sowings easy to compare. Short, separate cooking helps preserve the purple exterior and contrasting interior colours. Label every sowing with its date.
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Biennial grown as an annual crop
Discover the plant
Common namePurple 'Dragon' carrot, 'Purple Dragon' carrot
FamilyApiaceae
GenusDaucus
Speciescarota subsp. sativus
CultivarDragon
TypeCompact root vegetable
Botanical nameDaucus carota subsp. sativus
Organic purple 'Dragon' carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) produces tapered roots with magenta-purple skin and orange flesh generally surrounding a yellow core. Roots may reach approximately 18 cm; begin checking within the indicative 65-to-90-day range. Their natural contrast enhances salads, raw vegetable plates, pickles, and roasted dishes. Short cooking helps preserve skin colour, which may fade or migrate during prolonged cooking. Slice several roots to appreciate natural variation in flesh and core pattern. The vivid exterior also makes shoulder development easy to observe as harvest approaches. These colours vary naturally.
Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Place seeds approximately 6 mm deep and 2.5 cm apart, then keep the surface consistently moist until emergence, generally within 10 to 21 days. When seedlings are large enough, thin them to approximately 5 cm apart by cutting extras with scissors. Space rows approximately 30 cm apart. Choose full sun or bright partial shade and prepare fine, deep, stone-free, well-drained soil. Avoid fresh manure and excess nitrogen, which may encourage forked roots or abundant foliage. Weed gently so young roots remain undisturbed, and sow additional short rows several weeks apart when you want a longer harvest period.
Maintain steady moisture as roots enlarge to support uniform texture and reduce splitting. Begin checking roots within the indicative 65-to-90-day range while observing shoulder diameter, colour, and the tenderness you prefer. Loosen soil before pulling to protect the purple skin. Remove tops promptly, then refrigerate roots separately. No specific companion plant is confirmed; keep rows open and easy to monitor instead. Watch for tunnelling, yellowing, and foliage damage, then use pest-management methods suitable for edible crops. In containers, check moisture frequently during warm weather and check that drainage openings remain clear after every deep watering.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 6 mm (1/4 in)
Spacing / density
Sow 1 in apart, thin to 2 in, and space rows 12 in apart
Germination temperature
10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C
Germination time
Approximately 10 to 21 days in evenly moist soil; warmer soil within the crop’s suitable range speeds emergence.
Sowing period
Spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season
Propagation
Direct sowing only for regular root production
Growing method
Carrot seed planting: 'Dragon' carrot. Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked. As a cultivated carrot, 'Dragon' forms its best root when the seedling is not transplanted. Make a second small sowing only while enough suitable season remains for useful root growth. Purple 'Dragon' carrot needs full sun to partial shade; nearby walls or taller crops should not compromise it. Inspect the foliage and root shoulders without disturbing neighbouring plants. At final planting, space the crop sow 1 in apart, thin to 2 in, and space rows 12 in apart; crowding extra plants reduces access. Thin in stages with scissors so the remaining seedlings keep undisturbed root space. Plan around the way this carrot grows: rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root. Keep access to the root zone for watering and inspection. Water the full root depth as the surface begins drying, avoiding cycles of drought and saturation. As the root crop matures, use the expected harvest form—rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root approximately 7 in long—to guide support, inspection, and careful picking. Direct-sow the row; transplanting can bend or fork the developing taproot. Check root shoulders before lifting the row, and loosen the soil beside mature roots rather than pulling against resistance. Begin sampling the crop when shoulders reach the diameter you want. Loosen the soil beside each developing root before lifting, trim tops promptly, cool roots in shade, and record which sowing date produced the best shape and tenderness.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Approximately 6.0 to 7.0
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Keep the surface evenly moist while purple 'Dragon' carrot germinates, because the shallow seed and young taproot cannot recover well from crusting. Before purple 'Dragon' carrot emerges, use a gentle flow; as roots lengthen, water more deeply and let excess leave the bed. For purple 'Dragon' carrot, moisten the full depth of the developing root instead of repeatedly wetting only the surface. Mulch purple 'Dragon' carrot lightly only after establishment, limiting abrupt wet-dry cycles that can cause cracking or uneven texture. A purple 'Dragon' carrot container must drain freely and needs daily checks in warm wind while the edible root enlarges.
Soil type
'Dragon' needs a deep, finely prepared root zone so its rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root can extend without obstruction. Test the soil before making corrective mineral additions. In the 'Dragon' planting, loose sandy loam or a raised bed should hold steady moisture while draining promptly. For purple 'Dragon' carrot, remove stones and hard clods, prevent surface crusting, and use only mature compost; fresh manure can promote distorted roots. Containers for 'Dragon' need fine vegetable mix, uninterrupted root depth, and open drainage holes. Mulch only after conditions suit the crop, keeping the crown uncovered.
Fertilization
'Dragon' needs loose soil more than repeated feeding. Let a soil test guide any corrective amendment. For purple 'Dragon' carrot, fresh manure can distort root shape and encourage hairs. Measure label-rate feed rather than estimating a dose. For this rosette of finely divided root crop forming rosette of finely divided, keep fertilizer outside the developing root's immediate path. Inspect light, water, and roots before feeding again. For 'Dragon', its tops should stay healthy without becoming rank. Build soil fertility gradually with finished compost. Excess nitrogen pushes purple 'Dragon' carrot toward tops instead of roots.
Moisture
Evenly moist soil without saturation
Seasonal care
Seasonal care for 'Dragon' carrot. Purple 'Dragon' carrot begins with season-aware timing—spring as soon as soil can be worked, then successive sowings through late summer according to the local season—so compare that guidance with the actual spring or autumn at your site. Label the tray or row after sowing approximately 6 mm deep; seed generally emerges in 10 to 21 days at 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F), with more even emergence near 20 °C, and slower seeds should not be disturbed. Direct-sow into deep, loose, stone-free soil; transplanting or hard clods can distort the rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root. Keep the surface continuously damp until seedlings are established, using a gentle flow that does not wash seed from the row. Thin seedlings early to the stated spacing by cutting extras rather than tugging against neighbouring roots, and keep the shoulders lightly covered. Maintain even moisture without saturation; long dry spells followed by heavy watering can produce cracking, coarse texture, or irregular growth. If potted, follow this provision for purple 'Dragon' carrot: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Recheck root-zone moisture whenever heat or wind increases evaporation. Carrot rust fly and exposed green shoulders deserve regular checks as the crop develops. Treat the supplied harvest guidance—harvest around 85 days according to desired diameter, colour, and tenderness—as a starting point, then lift one sample to assess diameter, colour, and tenderness before clearing the row. For succession, make smaller sowings while enough cool-season time remains before local heat or hard freezing. At harvest, loosen the surrounding soil, trim foliage as appropriate, cool the crop promptly, and discard roots showing rot or serious damage.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep
Growing 'Dragon' carrot in containers. For 'Dragon', choose a container matching this guide: well-drained container at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Keep several drainage holes unobstructed. Leave headspace for watering while preserving uninterrupted depth for the rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root approximately 7 in long. 'Dragon' develops the expected harvest form: developing roots. Use visible changes in the crop rather than the calendar alone to judge harvest. Place the pot in sun or bright partial shade where heavy rain cannot leave it standing in water. Choose a position for this carrot with full sun to partial shade without sacrificing airflow or watering access. Direct-sow the crop rather than transplanting, then label the container and keep the surface evenly moist. The row has a habit described as rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root; use this to guide positioning or selective thinning without forcing a cramped plant. Add a fine mulch only after establishment and keep crowns or shoulders uncovered as appropriate. The spacing guidance for the root crop is sow 1 in apart, thin to 2 in, and space rows 12 in apart; use it when balancing airflow with the available growing area. For this carrot, keep foliage open to light, remove weeds shallowly, and cover exposed root shoulders with a little clean mix when needed. Sample one root first, loosen the surrounding mix, and lift the remainder without scraping neighbouring roots. Sample the crop before lifting the whole container. Loosen mix beside the developing roots, harvest without twisting neighbouring roots, trim tops promptly, and refrigerate sound roots separately from foliage.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Foliage approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in), depending on growing conditions
Width / spread
Approximately 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Foliage color
Medium green
Foliage type
Finely divided foliage in a rosette, dying back at season's end
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root
Bloom period
As 'Dragon' bolts, leaf or root harvest quality changes. Keep the root zone evenly moist during bloom. purple 'Dragon' carrot flowers only after shifting away from harvest growth. Watch new flowers for recovery after stressful weather. For this rosette of finely divided root crop forming rosette of finely divided, its seed stalk becomes taller and less harvest-focused. Avoid spraying while beneficial insects are working. Lengthening days or stress can hasten 'Dragon''s bolting. Water at soil level while flowers remain open. For purple 'Dragon' carrot, leave selected blooms only when seed or insects matter.
Fruiting
Dragon's coloured carrot root is harvested during vegetative growth. Allow enough space after thinning for roots to develop, and lift a sample when deciding whether the crop suits raw slices or cooked dishes. Colour alone does not determine tenderness. Plants allowed to flower are moving into seed production; keeping them for that purpose does not extend the period in which the roots remain at their best for eating.
Days to maturity
Indicative estimate of approximately 65 to 90 days; harvest according to diameter and tenderness
Harvest
Harvest around 85 days according to desired diameter, colour, and tenderness
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Around 'Dragon', thin companions before their canopy hides the fine foliage over the rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root. Rotation, shallow weeding, and inspection remain more dependable for purple 'Dragon' carrot than any claim that one neighbour repels carrot pests. Use the space beside young 'Dragon' for a short lettuce or green-onion crop, not for a permanent dense neighbour. Around purple 'Dragon' carrot, leave enough room to loosen and lift the rosette of finely divided leaves above a tapered Chantenay-type root without uprooting the companion crop. Use companion planting to organize succession and diversity, not as a substitute for sound crop care. Reassess the arrangement around 'Dragon' as both crops approach mature size. A companion does not guarantee control of insects or disease, so inspect every crop separately.
Plants to avoid
Avoid compact or stony soil, fresh manure, excess nitrogen, prolonged drought, and transplanting, which favour forked, fibrous, or split roots. Watch for carrot fly, root tunnels, and foliage diseases. Rotation with crops from another family helps reduce recurring problems.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Roots; young tops only when clean, healthy, and known to be carrot foliage
'Dragon' carrot in the kitchen. Roast the purple-skinned roots in large pieces so their contrasting interior remains visible at the table. Heat the oven to 210°C (410°F). Scrub 500 g (about 1 lb) of sound carrots, trim the tops, and cut thick roots lengthwise into halves or quarters. Toss with 15 mL (1 tbsp) oil, 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Spread in one layer on a lined tray and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, turning once, until the edges brown and the centres remain tender. Whisk 15 mL (1 tbsp) lemon juice with 5 mL (1 tsp) honey or maple syrup, then spoon it over the carrots after roasting. Finish with chopped parsley. Add the acidic dressing after cooking rather than soaking the raw roots, which helps keep the presentation distinct. Use a clean board, keep soil-covered carrots away from ready-to-eat food, refrigerate leftovers within two hours, and discard any portion with an abnormal odour or uncertain storage history.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What colour is inside 'Dragon' carrot?
'Dragon' has magenta-purple skin and a generally orange-to-yellow interior, creating strongly contrasting slices. The shade and width of the core may vary slightly among roots according to growth and the seed harvest. Harvest several carrots before judging the variety's overall colour. To highlight the contrast, serve roots raw, grated, or thinly sliced. Short cooking helps preserve exterior pigments; long cooking or cooking with other foods may soften the purple skin colour or transfer it. Wash roots gently to avoid damaging the skin, then photograph a fresh cross-section when comparing successive harvests. Natural variation is expected and adds visual interest to every plate.
Why do carrots become forked or fibrous?
A purple 'Dragon' carrot can be perfectly sound even when its tapered Chantenay-type root is not mathematically straight. Forks that split the root into branches, however, usually trace back to stones, compacted soil, fresh manure, transplanting, or injury during late thinning. Sow in place about 6 mm deep and prepare a loose root zone for its roughly 7-inch length. Thin to 2 inches before neighbouring roots touch. The broad 65–90-day harvest estimate means texture should guide you: test a root as it reaches useful diameter, then repeat later if it is still small and tender. Roots held too long or exposed to repeated drought and soaking may become fibrous. Water evenly rather than on a rigid schedule, accounting for rainfall. If a shoulder rises, cover it lightly without packing soil against the centre of the foliage. Separate normal cultivar shape from preventable branching when reviewing the harvest.
Can 'Dragon' be grown in a container?
Dragon carrot is suitable for a container because its tapered Chantenay-type root is about 18 cm long. Choose a well-drained pot at least 25 to 30 cm deep and fill it with loose, stone-free mix. Direct-sow approximately 6 mm (¼ in) deep; never transplant the taproot. Maintain even surface moisture during the 10- to 21-day emergence period, then thin plants to roughly 5 cm apart. Prevent both waterlogging and a hard dry crust. Cover exposed shoulders lightly and keep weeds shallow so roots are not disturbed. The harvest estimate ranges broadly, with the record noting roughly 85 days as a useful check. Lift according to mature colour, diameter, and tenderness rather than forcing every carrot to match the same date.
When should 'Dragon' carrots be harvested?
Check Dragon carrots through the indicative 65- to 90-day range, with roughly 85 days as a useful reference rather than a deadline. Expose a small portion of the shoulder and assess mature colour and diameter. Its tapered Chantenay-type root is about 18 cm long, but the preferred harvest point depends on tenderness. Lift one sample from evenly moist soil, loosening the bed beside it if needed, and evaluate it before harvesting the row. Do not yank on dry, compact ground, which can break roots. Leave undersized plants in place. Remove tops promptly from roots intended for storage and keep any clean, correctly identified young foliage separate. Note sowing date, sample size, and texture; those records provide a more reliable local guide for later Dragon crops than the broad estimate alone.
Will harvested seed remain true to 'Dragon'?
Dragon seed may reproduce the cultivar only when seed parents were true to type and their flowers were isolated from other carrots and compatible wild relatives. Because carrot is biennial, selected first-year roots must flower in the second season. Insects carry pollen among umbels, so seeds from plants flowering beside another carrot variety can yield variable roots. Keep several sound Dragon roots with the desired tapered Chantenay form, label and replant them, and prevent unwanted carrots from blooming nearby. Harvest seed only from fully dry, healthy umbels and store it separately. Without a known isolation history, do not promise that offspring will retain Dragon's colour, size, or tenderness. Treat the seed as experimental and evaluate a small row before relying on it for the main crop.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Dragon is a biennial carrot generally eaten during its first season. If one root is retained through winter, its second-year umbels can become busy landing sites for small bees, hoverflies, and beetles. The purple root will no longer be at prime culinary quality once bolting begins. Flower it only as a deliberate seed or observation plant.
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