Daucus carota

RHS Plant Profile
wild carrot

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wild carrot RHS
wild carrot RHS
wild carrot RHS

Other common names

moronen y maes

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial
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A tap-rooted biennial, its solid, ridged stems reaching 75cm in height. In summer it bears white umbel flowers, tinged pink in bud and sometimes in flower, the very central floret is dark red. Only this flower produces nectar. It can be identified from other umbellifers by the 3 forked bracts below the flowerhead. After flowering, these turn inwards giving the appearance of delicate baskets

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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
Correct
Plant Range
Europe to India

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained, deep soils in full sun. Wild carrot is an ancestor of all cultivated carrot varieties, see carrots cultivation page for more advice

Propagation

Propagate from seed sown in situ between February and July, early sowings should be protected with cloches or biodegradable fleece. Sow thinly to avoid having to thin out seedlings, as this can attract carrot fly

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to carrot fly and slugs snails when young

Diseases

Generally disease-free