Cosmic Purple Carrot
Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple'
vegetableA striking purple-skinned carrot with a bright orange interior that appears dramatically when sliced. The purple skin contains anthocyanins while the interior retains classic carrot beta-carotene. Flavor is slightly earthier and more complex than standard orange carrots with mild spice notes. Beautiful raw in salads and on crudite platters.
☀️
Sun
full sun
💧
Water
Every 2 days
🌾
Harvest
~70 days
📊
Difficulty
easy
🌱
Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
↔️
Spacing
3 in
⬇️
Planting Depth
1/4 in
🧪
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Loose, deep
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light phosphorus fertilizer at planting; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen; phosphorus-rich amendment for root development
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before last frost. Cosmic Purple is a medium-length carrot needing deep, loose, well-prepared soil free of rocks and clods. Thin to 3 inches. The purple pigment develops most fully in cooler fall temperatures. Consider a late summer sowing for fall harvest when colors will be most vivid. Flavor and color both improve with cold.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →spring planting
🌿
Direct sow
Apr 1
🌾
Projected first harvest
Jun 10
fall planting
🌿
Direct sow
Aug 18
🌾
Projected first harvest
Oct 27
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Onion: Classic mutual pest deterrence pairing
- Leek: Aromatic deterrence of carrot rust fly
- Tomato: Carrot loosens soil near tomato roots; compatible companions
- Lettuce: Efficient use of bed space: shallow lettuce and deep carrot roots
❌ Keep away from
DillParsnip
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover from sowing; plant after main fly generation in early summer; allium companions
Beneficial nematodes; avoid fresh manure; rotate location
Water blast; insecticidal soap; plant alliums nearby
Avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage; copper spray if needed
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest at 6 to 8 inches for Cosmic Purple at best flavor and color. The purple exterior color is purely in the skin. The interior is orange. For maximum visual impact in salads, slice into rounds or julienne to show the color contrast. Refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 weeks.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Exceptional antioxidant profile: purple skin provides anthocyanins (same as blueberries) while orange interior provides beta-carotene. Together they supply a wider range of antioxidants than any single-color carrot. Also provides vitamin K, potassium, and fiber.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.