Purple Carrot – MIg

Description

Purple Carrot is a beautiful heirloom variety known for its deep purple skin and vibrant orange or purple interior, depending on the strain. Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, it offers a crisp texture and sweet, earthy flavor that becomes even sweeter after cooking. This productive variety is perfect for fresh salads, roasting, juicing, soups, and gourmet dishes, and grows exceptionally well during the UAE’s cool growing season.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds from October through February, when temperatures are cool.
• Successive Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks throughout the season for a continuous harvest.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun in loose, deep, well-draining sandy soil free of stones to encourage straight, uniform roots.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7–14 days.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 5–8 cm apart, with 25–30 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season to encourage smooth, tender roots and prevent splitting.
• Feeding: Incorporate compost before planting and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth instead of root development.
• Harvest: Roots are ready to harvest in approximately 70–80 days, once they reach full size and develop their characteristic deep purple color.
• Harvesting Tips: Loosen the soil before pulling carrots to avoid damaging the roots. Harvest promptly for the best flavor, texture, and color.