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Annual Biennial

Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

carrot 'Cosmic Purple'

'Cosmic Purple' is a plant usually grown as an annual for its edible taproot. This cultivar produces tapering roots up to 18cm long with purple skins and bright orange cores

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
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

Accepted

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 affected by root rot, Sclerotina diseases and powdery mildews

Get involved

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