Purple Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | Deep Purple Skin, Bright Orange Interior, Sweet & Tender | 65–70 Days

Purple Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a striking heirloom variety that surprises at every step — deep purple exterior conceals a bright orange interior revealed only when sliced. Roots grow up to 7 inches long with a tapered end, sweet and tender flesh, and the dramatic purple-to-orange cross-section that makes this variety a standout on any relish tray, salad, or market display. Full sun, zones 3–9, sandy rock-free soil. 1g / ~700+ seeds per packet. 65–70 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Days to maturity: 65–70 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: Up to 7 inches long, tapered
• Root color: Deep purple exterior; bright orange interior
• Flavor: Sweet and tender
• Soil: Sandy, rock-free, well-drained — roots grow straight down
• Packet size: 1g / ~700+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ⅛ 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 Purple-to-Orange Reveal

Purple Carrot’s most distinctive quality is the contrast between its exterior and interior. Pulled from the ground, it looks like a deep purple root unlike any standard carrot. Sliced, it reveals a bright orange interior — the same beta-carotene-rich flesh found in classic orange varieties, wrapped in an anthocyanin-rich purple skin. This makes it visually dramatic in any preparation where the cross-section is visible: sliced on relish trays, cut into coins for salads, or julienned for slaws. The purple color is concentrated in the skin and fades with heat — use raw or lightly cooked to preserve the color contrast.

In the Kitchen

• Raw sliced: The standout use — slice into coins to reveal the purple-and-orange cross-section; arrange on relish trays and platters for maximum visual impact
• Salads: Slice or julienne; the color contrast is striking against green leaves
• Rainbow slaws: Combine with Lunar White, Solar Yellow, and Atomic Red for a four-color slaw
• Roasting: Halve lengthwise and roast at 400°F with olive oil and honey; purple fades but flavor deepens
• Juicing: High anthocyanin and beta-carotene content; blend with apple and ginger
• Pickling: Quick-pickle whole or sliced; purple bleeds into brine creating a beautiful pink-purple liquid

Growing Notes

Direct sow ⅛ inch deep in sandy, rock-free, well-drained soil in full sun. Roots grow straight down — remove all rocks and loosen soil to at least 8–10 inches before sowing. Sow 2–3 seeds per inch; 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. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Harvest at 65–70 days when purple shoulders are visible at the soil surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the purple color stay when cooked?

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

How is this different from Purple Dragon or Cosmic Purple?

All three are purple-skinned carrots with orange interiors, but each has distinct characteristics. Cosmic Purple (58 days) is coreless and faster-maturing. Purple Dragon (70 days) was bred by Dr. John Navazio with a half-long root habit and high lycopene content. This Purple Carrot is a classic open-pollinated heirloom selection — straightforward, reliable, and sweet at 65–70 days.

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