Gniff carrots with slices on a white background.
Whole and sliced Gniff carrots stacked together on a white background.
A close-up of Gniff carrot slices with juice and whole carrots in the background.
Gniff Carrot slices on marble board
Gniff Carrot slices showing varying colors in the slices.
Gniff Carrots with slices and juice.
A gardener holding Gniff Carrots fresh from garden.
Gniff carrots with slices on a white background.
Whole and sliced Gniff carrots stacked together on a white background.
A close-up of Gniff carrot slices with juice and whole carrots in the background.
Gniff Carrot slices on marble board
Gniff Carrot slices showing varying colors in the slices.
Gniff Carrots with slices and juice.
A gardener holding Gniff Carrots fresh from garden.

Carrot Seeds,
Gniff

3.813 Reviews#CR133 · 300 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.25
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Description

(Daucus carota). Believe it or not—this alpine rarity was nearly lost to time. In the 1950s, deep in the Swiss village of Brè, local women were still growing and selling this striking purple carrot at market, preserving a tradition few outsiders knew remained. “Gniff,” meaning “purple” in the local dialect, reveals its beauty the moment it’s pulled—deep amethyst skin fading into violet flesh within. Its flavor is sweet, balanced, and perfect for crafting lavender-colored juices, desserts, and traditional pickles. Varieties like this were once described by Vilmorin as early as 1856, hinting at a much older lineage. Today, it stands as a living heirloom—part mountain legend, part culinary treasure—bringing a groovy splash of history and color back to the modern garden.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Daucus carota
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–18
Days to Maturity
100+
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
2–3 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

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. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

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 Seeds

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, 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.

Browse our full range of carrot seeds.

Customer reviews

3.8 / 5 13 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Purple over white: Purple skin with a white core; a looker in a mixed bunch.

  • Distinct flavor: Sweet and flavorful for most, less sugary than a Nantes type.

  • Stores well: Keeps nicely in the ground or in storage into winter.

  • Modest size: Most roots finish at 3 to 6 inches.

  • Heads up: Slow to size up; a few found it bland or bitter, or bolted in heat.

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