CARROT Seeds, Cosmic Purple

'Cosmic Purple' Carrot (Daucus carota) is an heirloom-type, open-pollinated carrot with vivid purple skin and a bright orange core. Sweet, crisp, and rich in antioxidants, it adds dramatic color to any plate.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple'
• Type: Open-pollinated carrot
• Days to maturity: 70 to 80 days
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Loose, sandy loam, well-drained
• Spacing: 2 inches apart, rows 12 to 18 inches; sow 1/4 inch deep

Best for

• Fresh snacking and salads
• Roasting and stir-fries
• Colorful garnishes and medleys
• Home and container gardens

How to grow

Direct sow in early spring once the soil can be worked, planting seeds a quarter inch deep, 2 inches apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist through germination and early growth, and avoid overwatering. Harvest at 70 to 80 days before roots become woody.

Flavor profile

Sweet and crisp with a slightly spicy edge from the purple skin and a classic carrot sweetness in the orange core.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.