Daucus carota (Ornamental Flowering Carrot)

Seed Treatment:

  1. Cold Stratification

    • Mix seeds with moist sand or a damp paper towel.

    • Place them in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate at 35–40°F (1–4°C) for 2–4 weeks.

    • Check periodically to ensure the medium remains slightly moist but not wet.

  2. Pre-Soaking (Optional Alternative to Stratification)

    • Soak seeds in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours before sowing.

    • This helps soften the seed coat and speed up germination.

Sowing Instructions:

  • Timing:

    • Direct sow in early spring or late fall (if stratified).

    • For warmer climates, fall sowing allows natural cold stratification.

  • Sowing Depth:

    • Sow seeds barely covered, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep.

    • Lightly press into soil as they need some light to germinate or cover lightly with vermiculite. 

  • Spacing:

    • Sow seeds thinly, about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) apart.

    • Once seedlings emerge, thin to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart.

  • Soil Requirements:

    • Prefers well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility.

    • Avoid rich, overly fertilized soils to prevent excessive leaf growth.

  • Watering:

    • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination.

    • Once established, Daucus carota is drought-tolerant.

  • Germination Time:

    • Seeds typically germinate in 7–21 days, depending on temperature and soil conditions.

  • Sunlight:

    • Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).

Additional Tips:

  • Ornamental flowering carrot is a biennial but often grown as an annual.

  • Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming or allow some to self-seed for the following season.

  • Protect young plants from slugs and snails, which may nibble on seedlings.

Enjoy your beautiful lace-like blooms that attract pollinators and beneficial insects! ??

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