Daucus carota Seeds | Black Carrot
LATIN NAME: Daucus carota
COMMON NAME: Black Carrot
Plant Profile
Black Carrot (Daucus carota) is a dark-pigmented form of the cultivated carrot, a biennial of the carrot family (Apiaceae) domesticated in Central Asia over a thousand years ago. Purple-black carrots are in fact the oldest cultivated type, their colour coming from anthocyanins in the root, and they remain traditional in Turkey, the Middle East and India. The roots are used fresh, pickled and as a natural source of red-purple food colouring.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Daucus carota, a representative of the Daucus group with clear practical value. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Black Carrot has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Its historical novelty as a pre-orange carrot colour also makes it a worthwhile addition for gardeners interested in the crop’s genuine agricultural history. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
The carrot is a vitamin-A powerhouse through its beta-carotene, and wild carrot seed has a folk record as a diuretic; the vegetable’s eye-health reputation is one of the best-earned in nutrition.
Growing from Seed
Starting Black Carrot from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow seed directly into a loose, well-drained mix at a shallow depth, since carrots generally resent transplanting, keeping soil consistently moist until germination, which can take longer than many vegetable seeds. Full sun suits this crop well, and loose, stone-free soil worked to a good depth gives straightest, most easily harvested roots. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in full sun until the seedlings are well up. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Black Carrot is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Young plants want steady water; older plants take conditions as they come.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Black Carrot often pair it with these related subjects: