Dara Daucus is an outstanding cut flower that happens to be a carrot, producing delicate umbel-shaped clusters of pale pink to cranberry-chocolate blooms from mid-summer onward. Unlike its aggressive wild relatives Queen Anne's Lace and Bishop's Weed, this well-behaved cultivar grows 36-50 inches tall in a compact 12-inch width and reaches harvest readiness in just 75-85 days. Hardy from zones 3-10 and frost-tolerant, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and moderately acidic soil, making it surprisingly easy to slip into any sunny garden bed.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
50in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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This carrot relative produces an abundance of long-lasting cut flowers in soft, romantic hues that last far longer than many garden blooms. The pale pink to cranberry-chocolate tones work beautifully in fresh arrangements, and flowers harvested before they fully open stay fresher longer. Dara Daucus is actually a carrot, not an invasive weed, giving it a gentler temperament in the garden while delivering the lacy, delicate inflorescence gardeners love in Queen Anne's Lace.
Dara Daucus is grown primarily as an exceptional cut flower, valued for its romantic clusters of pale pink to cranberry-chocolate umbels that add an airy, delicate texture to fresh arrangements. The flowers can be dried for long-lasting arrangements once fully open, offering gardeners extended enjoyment beyond the fresh-cut season.
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Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before your intended transplant date. Chill seed at 40-45°F for 1-2 weeks prior to sowing in the greenhouse to improve germination. When the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into larger containers. Harden off gradually before moving outdoors after your last frost date.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Space plants 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Ensure soil is well-draining and adjusted to pH 6.0-6.8.
Direct sow seeds thinly in rows in early spring after the last frost date. In southern regions, fall sowing works well. Cover seeds lightly with soil. Make 2-3 successive sowings spaced 2 weeks apart for continuous summer flowering. Germination occurs best when soil temperatures are between 45-75°F.
Cut flower clusters before 80% of the umbel flowers have opened; harvesting at this stage reduces water uptake and prevents wilting in the vase. For drying, wait until flowers are fully open with no hint of pollen shedding. Most flowers reach harvestable stage within 75-85 days from sowing.
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