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Carrots were originally purple, white, or yellow; the familiar orange carrot was popularised in the Netherlands from around the 17th century.
Daucus carota
vegetableCool-season root crop. Loose, stone-free, deep soil is essential — rocky beds give forked roots. Slow to germinate (up to 3 weeks); keep the surface moist until seedlings emerge. Thin ruthlessly; crowded carrots stay small. Sweetens after the first frost.
🐛 Prone to: Aphids.
Attract Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybirds, Parasitic wasps to keep them in check — plant African Marigold, Angelica and Anise nearby.
🌼 Beneficial companion — draws Hoverflies, Parasitic wasps, Lacewings that help control Aphids, Whitefly, Thrips, Caterpillars, Spider mites, Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, Stink bugs, Leaf miners on neighbouring plants.
Loose, well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil. pH 6.0-6.8. Remove rocks and debris for straight roots. Avoid fresh manure.
Did you know?
Carrots were originally purple, white, or yellow; the familiar orange carrot was popularised in the Netherlands from around the 17th century.
Carum carvi
herbA fellow Apiaceae — similar growing habits to Carrot