Purple Carrot
Dragon Carrot is a striking open-pollinated variety that lives up to its mythical name with deep magenta skin hiding a bright orange and gold interior. Developed by plant breeder John Navizio from a Chinese heirloom, these 7-inch roots reach harvest in around 70 days and deliver a remarkably sweet, carroty flavor that outshines other purple varieties. The contrast between the dramatic exterior and sunny interior makes this both a visual stunner and a culinary delight, while its reputation as an excellent keeper means you can enjoy the harvest well into winter.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
24in H x 6in W
Biennial
Moderate
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The hidden treasure aspect of Dragon Carrot sets it apart: the striking purple skin conceals a brilliant orange and gold interior, revealing a beautiful color surprise when sliced or cooked. Its flavor surpasses other purple carrot varieties with a genuinely sweet, true carrot taste that proves colored varieties don't sacrifice flavor for looks. These broad-shouldered, 7-inch roots mature quickly in around 70 days and store exceptionally well at cool temperatures, extending the growing season's bounty into the darkest months.
Dragon Carrot shines as a fresh eating variety, particularly when harvested at the tender 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter stage when sweetness peaks. Its striking purple exterior and orange interior make it a showstopper in salads, vegetable platters, and any dish where color and texture matter. Roasting brings out deeper sweetness, while the carrot's dense structure holds up well to cooking without becoming mushy. The variety also stores reliably for winter use, whether grated into storage, cooked in soups and stews, or simply enjoyed raw as a snack months after harvest.
Dig a shallow furrow and sow seeds directly into the garden bed. Days to maturity are calculated from the date of direct seeding.
Dragon Carrot reaches peak tenderness and sweetness when roots are 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter, typically around 70 days after sowing, though some sources report a range of 70 to 90 days depending on conditions. Harvest in stages as carrots reach maturity to extend your eating window. For smaller roots, grip the carrot firmly at the base of the foliage, push down gently, then twist as you pull upward. For larger roots grown for winter storage, carefully ease them up using a garden fork to avoid breaking them. Always irrigate well before harvest to ensure roots have absorbed maximum water, which heightens both sweetness and texture.
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“Plant breeder John Navizio and his colleagues developed Dragon Carrot from an heirloom variety of Chinese origin. In Chinese mythology, the Fucanglong dragon dwells below the soil as the dragon of the underworld and hidden treasures, an apt companion for a carrot that literally hides its golden treasure beneath purple skin. This variety represents the work of small-scale and public-interest plant breeders who preserve and develop varieties with both agricultural and cultural significance, bringing together ancient genetics with modern cultivation knowledge.”