Specialty Carrot
Purple Dragon is an heirloom carrot that stops people in their tracks with its striking reddish-purple exterior and brilliant orange interior. Reaching 7-8 inches long with a half-long root structure, this variety thrives in hardiness zones 3-10 and matures in just 70 days. The spicy-sweet flavor makes it equally at home on a relish tray as it is raw in a lunchbox, and its unusual bicolor appearance when sliced creates a visually stunning presentation that kids especially love.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
8in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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The real draw here is what happens when you cut into a Purple Dragon carrot: the stunning contrast between the deep purple skin and vibrant orange flesh feels almost theatrical on the plate. Beyond the visual drama, the flavor delivers complexity that goes beyond typical carrot sweetness, a pleasant spice rounds out the profile and keeps snackers coming back for more. The half-long root shape is a practical gift too; it means you'll pull well-formed, full-size roots even from tighter or heavier soils where longer varieties struggle.
Purple Dragon shines on vegetable platters and relish trays where its sliced cross-sections become a natural focal point. The smooth, refined appearance and spicy-sweet flavor make it an excellent raw snacking carrot straight from the garden. Its visual appeal and kid-friendly sweetness have given it a quiet reputation as a gateway vegetable for young gardeners and picky eaters.
Sow seeds directly into the garden bed once soil temperature reaches 45 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Purple Dragon performs best when seeded directly rather than transplanted, as carrots develop better without root disturbance.
Purple Dragon reaches harvest maturity in 70 days from sowing. Begin harvesting when roots reach 7-8 inches long and the shoulders show their distinctive reddish-purple coloring. Simply pull from the ground or loosen soil with a fork before pulling to avoid breaking the root. These carrots can be harvested small for extra tender texture or left to full size for maximum yield.
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