Carrot Seeds,
Purple Dragon

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

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.

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​.

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.