Cosmic Purple Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | Deep Purple Skin, Bright Orange Interior, Coreless & Sweet | 58 Days

Cosmic Purple (Daucus carota) is the carrot that stops people mid-stride at the farmers’ market — and sells out within hours of opening. Introduced in 2005, this open-pollinated heirloom produces 7–8 inch coreless roots with deep purple skin and a bright orange interior that creates a stunning cross-section unlike any standard carrot. Sweet, crisp, and completely coreless — consistent flavor and texture from skin to center. The 14-inch feathery tops are a bonus harvest for chickens, rabbits, goats, and other farm animals. 0.5 g / 300+ seeds per packet. 58 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota
• Introduced: 2005
• Days to maturity: 58 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: 7–8 inches long
• Root color: Deep purple skin; bright orange interior
• Core: Coreless — consistent color and flavor throughout
• Flavor: Sweet, crisp — complex with slight spice raw; mellows when cooked
• Top height: 14 inches — edible and excellent for farm animals
• Packet size: 1 g / ~600+ Seeds
• Sowing depth: ¼ inch
• Spacing: Thin to 2–3 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual

The Farmers Market Carrot That Sells Itself

Market growers selling Cosmic Purple regularly sell out within hours of opening — the deep purple skin and orange interior cross-section is a genuine conversation starter that draws customers who would otherwise walk past a standard orange carrot display. The 58-day maturity makes it one of the faster-maturing carrot varieties, allowing for multiple succession plantings in a single season and a longer market window. Pair with Atomic Red and Solar Yellow for a three-color display that is nearly impossible to walk past.

The Purple-to-Orange Cross-Section

Cosmic Purple’s color comes from anthocyanins in the purple skin — the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage. The bright orange interior is rich in beta-carotene. Together they make Cosmic Purple one of the most nutritionally diverse single carrot varieties available. Important note: the purple color is concentrated in the skin and fades significantly with heat — use raw or lightly cooked to preserve the dramatic color contrast. The orange interior holds its color through cooking.

In the Kitchen

• Raw in salads & crudités: The standout use — slice into coins to reveal the purple-and-orange cross-section; the color contrast is dramatic and the sweet, slightly spicy flavor is excellent raw
• Rainbow slaws: Julienne with Atomic Red and Solar Yellow for a three-color slaw that is as nutritious as it is visually striking
• Light stir-fry: Quick-cook over high heat to preserve some purple color; pairs well with sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce
• Roasting: The purple fades but the flavor deepens; roast with olive oil and honey at 400°F
• Juicing: Blend with apple and ginger for a vibrant purple-orange juice rich in anthocyanins and beta-carotene
• Pickling: Quick-pickle in rice vinegar — the purple color bleeds into the brine creating a beautiful pink-purple pickle liquid

Growing Notes

Direct sow ¼ inch deep in loose, well-tilled, well-drained soil — compacted or rocky soil causes forked roots. Sow 2–3 seeds per inch and thin to 2–3 inches apart as true leaves establish. Keep soil consistently moist until germination (14–21 days). Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause forking and growth abnormalities. For a continuous harvest, succession sow every 2–3 weeks through spring and again in late summer for a fall crop. At 58 days, Cosmic Purple is one of the faster-maturing carrot varieties — plan successions accordingly. The 14-inch tops are edible and make excellent feed for chickens, rabbits, goats, and other farm animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the purple color stay when cooked?

No — the purple color comes from anthocyanins, which are water-soluble and heat-sensitive. The color fades significantly with cooking. For the most dramatic purple-and-orange cross-section, use Cosmic Purple raw or very lightly cooked. The orange interior holds its color through cooking regardless.

Is Cosmic Purple good for kids?

Yes — the sweet flavor and striking purple color make it one of the most kid-friendly carrot varieties. The “purple carrot” novelty factor is a genuine draw for children who might otherwise resist eating carrots.

Can I save seed from Cosmic Purple?

Yes — Cosmic Purple is open-pollinated and introduced in 2005, making it a stable variety for seed saving. Allow a few plants to overwinter (or replant roots in spring in cold climates) and let them flower and set seed in their second year. Keep isolated from other carrot varieties by at least 300 feet to prevent cross-pollination.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.