Carrot Cosmic Purple

Days to Maturity: 70 days

Family: Apiaceae

Type: Carrot 

Native: Africa, Eurasia

Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial grown as an annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Roots are 6"–7" long at their peak

Variety Info: Conical roots with long tapered ends, purple skin with orange interior. 'Cosmic Purple' has characteristics of both imperator and nantes types carrots.

Attributes: Frost Tolerant

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 45°F, ideally 60°–85°F. Successive Sowings: Every 3 weeks until 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In very warm climates, carrots are grown primarily in fall, winter, and spring.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended; root disturbance stunts growth.

Days to Emerge: 10–25 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 1"

Row Spacing: 6"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 3"

Harvesting: For best flavor and texture, harvest carrots any time before, and until they reach their optimal size. Peak harvest period lasts about 3 weeks, longer in the fall. Late summer-sown carrots are sweetened after having been kissed by light frost; however, harvest before soil freezes, which may destroy the crop. In USDA zone 5 or warmer, carrots can be left in the ground for storage provided they are heavily mulched; harvest as needed on days the ground is not frozen.