Bulb Fennel
Dragon Carrot stands out as a visual masterpiece in the garden, sporting a distinctive deep magenta purple exterior that conceals a brilliant orange and gold interior. Developed by plant breeder John Navazio and colleagues from Chinese origins, this striking F1 hybrid matures in just 60 days across zones 4-9. The broad-shouldered roots grow 7 inches long with what's considered the best flavor among all purple carrot varieties, making it both a conversation starter and a culinary delight.
Full Sun
Low
4-9
24in H x 6in W
Annual
Moderate
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This remarkable carrot combines stunning aesthetics with exceptional flavor, featuring purple skin that dramatically contrasts its bright orange and gold core. Named for the Fucanglong Dragon of Chinese mythology, the dragon of hidden treasures dwelling in the underworld, it perfectly embodies the concept of buried treasure with its sweet, intensely carroty flavor hidden beneath that striking purple exterior. As an excellent keeper with superior storage qualities, Dragon represents the finest work of small-scale plant breeding in organic agriculture.
Dragon Carrot excels in both raw and cooked preparations where its dramatic color contrast can be showcased. The purple exterior and orange interior create stunning visual appeal when sliced for fresh eating, salads, or crudité platters. Its sweet, intensely carroty flavor makes it excellent for roasting, where the sugars caramelize beautifully, and its superior keeping qualities make it ideal for winter storage and extended harvest seasons.
Direct sow seeds in a very well-prepared, fertile, smooth garden bed, choosing your least weedy soil as carrots are difficult to cultivate when young. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and maintain consistent moisture for best germination, especially for summer sowings.
Harvest Dragon carrots when they reach maturity at 60 days, though some sources indicate harvest windows ranging from 40-90 days depending on desired size. For optimal sweetness, harvest after cooler temperatures arrive, as the starches convert to sugars in cool weather. The broad-shouldered roots should be pulled carefully to avoid breaking, and for best storage results, irrigate well prior to harvest to ensure maximum water absorption.
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“Dragon Carrot emerged through the dedicated work of plant breeder John Navazio and his colleagues, who developed this distinctive variety from Chinese genetic material. The breeding work represents the valuable contributions of small-scale and public-interest plant breeders to organic agriculture, bringing this hidden treasure from its Asian origins to North American gardens. Its development showcases how traditional varieties can be refined and improved while maintaining their unique characteristics.”