Carotte arc-en-ciel

Daucus carota

Plant Description

Rainbow Carrots are a colorful mix of heirloom varieties that produce roots in shades of purple, yellow, red, white, and orange. Each color offers its own distinct taste and nutritional profile. These carrots grow to classic lengths and shapes, making them an eye-catching and flavorful addition to any garden or dish.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Days to Sprout: 10–20 days
  • Days to Harvest: 70–75 days
  • Plant Spacing: 2–4 inches
  • Seeds per Hole: 2–3; thin to strongest seedling
  • Plant Type: Biennial (grown as Annual)
  • Planting Depth: ¼ inch

Best Planting Locations

  • Garden Beds: Choose well-draining, rock-free soil for straight, uniform roots.
  • Raised Beds: Warm quickly and allow easy soil control—ideal for vibrant root color.
  • Containers: Use a 12" deep pot or planter. Great for growing baby rainbow carrots.

Getting Started

  1. Direct Sow: Carrots prefer to be directly seeded. Plant when soil is workable and above 50°F.
  2. Soil Needs: Loose, sandy, well-aerated soil is best. Avoid compacted areas or recently manured beds.
  3. Thinning: Essential. Thin to 2–4 inches apart once seedlings are a few inches tall to prevent crowding.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Onions, leeks, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes.

Avoid Planting Near: Dill, fennel, and parsnips due to potential pest issues or growth suppression.

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Flowering carrots in year two will attract pollinators and beneficial hoverflies.

Repels: May deter certain pests when interplanted with leeks or onions.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Sow 2–4 weeks before last frost. Carrots tolerate light frost and cool soil.
  • Fall: Plant 10–12 weeks before your first fall frost. Cooler temps enhance sweetness.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water lightly during germination.
  • Fertilizing: Avoid excess nitrogen. Use compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer before sowing.
  • Weeding: Weed early and carefully. Carrots compete poorly with weeds, especially early on.

Harvest

  • Harvest when carrots reach desired size—typically 6–8 inches long.
  • Loosen soil gently with a fork to prevent breakage when pulling.
  • Harvest all before the ground freezes, or mulch heavily for overwintering in mild climates.

Uses

  • Fresh: Snack, shred into salads, or create vibrant carrot sticks.
  • Cooked: Roast, steam, or sauté to bring out their natural sweetness and color contrast.
  • Juicing: A sweet and earthy base for colorful juice blends.

How to Store

  • Short Term: Cut off tops and store roots in the fridge for 2–3 weeks.
  • Long Term: Keep in damp sand in a cool cellar or blanch and freeze for soups and stews.