
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
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
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.
spring planting
Direct sow
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
Jun 10
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 18
Projected first harvest
Oct 27
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
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 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.
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.
spring planting
fall planting