Daucus carota 'Purple Dragon'

RHS Plant Profile
carrot 'Purple Dragon'
carrot 'Purple Dragon' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

'Purple Dragon' is grown as an annual for its edible taproot. Tapering roots with a reddish-purple skin and yellow-orange core up to 22cm long are ready for harvest approximately 80 days after sowing

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Daucus are more commonly known as wild carrot, a group of herbaceous, biennial (although not always) plants which can reach a height of between 30 to 60cm. The triangular shaped leaves are tripinnate, divided and lacy and flowers begin in pink buds, opening into small and white clustered together in dense umbels. The fruit is small, hairy and lumpy.
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a deep, fertile, well drained soil in full sun; do not sow in soil that has been manured within the previous year

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Carrot root fly and aphids may be troublesome

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot, Sclerotina diseases and powdery mildews