About
Purple Dragon' is grown as an annual for its edible taproot. Tapering roots with a reddish-purple skin and yellow-orange core up to 22cm long are ready for harvest approximately 80 days after sowing.
About the genus
Daucus are more commonly known as wild carrot, a group of herbaceous, biennial (although not always) plants which can reach a height of between 30 to 60cm. The triangular shaped leaves are tripinnate, divided and lacy and flowers begin in pink buds, opening into small and white clustered together in dense umbels. The fruit is small, hairy and lumpy.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a deep, fertile, well drained soil in full sun; do not sow in soil that has been manured within the previous year
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceCarrot root fly and aphids may be troublesome
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot, Sclerotina diseases and powdery mildews