Specialty Carrot
Cosmic Purple Carrot is a striking cultivar that brings deep, jewel-toned color to the vegetable garden and kitchen. These carrots mature in 70 days, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a harvest within a single growing season. Sown directly into the garden in spring or fall, they thrive in full sun and prefer cool soil temperatures at germination, ideally between 45°F and 85°F. What sets this variety apart is its distinctive purple hue, a dramatic departure from the bright orange carrots most gardeners know, adding visual intrigue to both the garden bed and the dinner plate.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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The Cosmic Purple Carrot stands out for its deep, jewel-like coloring that makes it as much a garden showstopper as it is a culinary ingredient. With a germination window starting at 45°F, it can be direct sown earlier in spring than many other varieties, giving gardeners a head start on the season. At 70 days to harvest, it reaches maturity quickly enough for both spring and fall crops, and its compact spacing requirements (just 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart) means you can grow more roots in less space. This is a variety that transforms the humble carrot into something visually memorable.
As a culinary carrot, Cosmic Purple works wherever you'd use any fresh carrot, raw in salads and snacks, roasted whole or sliced, steamed, or incorporated into soups and stews. The distinctive purple color intensifies through cooking, making it particularly striking in dishes where appearance matters: grain bowls, plated vegetable sides, or anywhere you want the carrot itself to be a visual statement rather than a supporting player.
Sow Cosmic Purple Carrot directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or in fall at least 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and space them 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart. Soil temperature should be at least 45°F at sowing time, ideally between 60°F and 85°F for optimal germination. In very warm climates, grow these carrots primarily in fall, winter, and spring.
Harvest Cosmic Purple Carrots at 70 days from sowing, or when the roots reach your desired size. Because this is a direct-sown root crop, you can feel the diameter of the carrot at soil level before pulling. Gently loosen the soil around each carrot with a garden fork or your fingers, then pull upward steadily. Carrots can be left in the ground longer than the 70-day mark if needed, especially in cool weather, making them flexible for staggered harvesting.
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