Whole carrots in a glass jar with sliced carrots and greenery surround
Pusa Asita Carrots on wire rack.
Pusa Asita Carrot slices on wooden plank.
Pusa Asita Carrot slices on wooden planks.
Carrot Seeds, Pusa Asita Black
Whole carrots in a glass jar with sliced carrots and greenery surround
Pusa Asita Carrots on wire rack.
Pusa Asita Carrot slices on wooden plank.
Pusa Asita Carrot slices on wooden planks.
Carrot Seeds, Pusa Asita Black

Carrot Seeds,
Pusa Asita Black

3.689 Reviews#CR130 · 200 seeds
Price
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Description

(Daucus carota). Black as midnight, darker than a moonless sky—this carrot doesn’t just grow, it stuns. Pusa Asita reaches back to the original roots of carrot history, when black and purple types ruled the fields of India and Central Asia over a thousand years ago. This modern refinement from India’s famed Pusa Institute carries that legacy forward, its name “Asita” meaning dark or black in Sanskrit. The roots are loaded with anthocyanins, giving them their near-ink color—so intense they bleed like a beet when sliced. In northern India, these carrots have long been prized for traditional winter foods like fermented kanji and pickles, celebrated for both flavor and vitality. Built for heat, this variety prefers to grow through the long summer and does not perform well when planted in cool spring or winter conditions. As temperatures drop, the roots deepen in both color and sweetness, delivering a rich, earthy flavor that feels ancient and alive. This is no ordinary carrot—it’s a bold, primal, back-to-the-land root that brings color, culture, and serious character to the table.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Daucus carota
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
12–18
Days to Maturity
95–100
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
2–3 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Pusa Asita Black carrots are cool-season crops, best planted in the summer, from June to September in North America. They can handle light frost as well, making them suitable for both spring and fall growing seasons depending on your region's climate​. 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

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep directly into the soil. Space them about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 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. Thinning is necessary once the seedlings are about 1-2 inches tall, maintaining a spacing of 2-3 inches between plants to allow room for the roots to develop properly.

How to Grow

Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pusa Asita Black carrots take about 95-100 days to mature. It’s crucial to maintain regular watering, especially in dry conditions, to prevent the roots from splitting. They grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. To avoid issues with pests and diseases, practice crop rotation and use row covers if necessary​.

How to Save Seeds

Since carrots are biennial, they flower and set seeds in their second year. To save seeds, leave a few carrots in the ground over winter. In the second year, they will flower and produce seeds. Once the flowers dry, collect the seeds, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place. Ensure you are saving seeds from heirloom varieties to maintain genetic purity​.

FAQ

How deep should I plant Pusa Asita Black carrot seeds?

Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch.

Can Pusa Asita Black carrots be grown in containers?

Yes, they do well in containers that are at least 12 inches deep.

How long do Pusa Asita Black carrots take to mature?

Pusa Asita Black carrots take approximately 95-100 days to mature.

Browse our full range of carrot seeds.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 89 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Nearly black roots: Deep purple to near-black skin that dyes hands and food.

  • Best in cool weather: Sweeter from a fall or winter crop; spring heat turns it bitter.

  • A hit with kids: Kids love the purple carrots and the stains they leave.

  • Roast or juice it: Strong, not-too-sweet flavor; best roasted or juiced.

  • Heads up: Spotty germination, hairy roots, early bolting; some cores pale.

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