Dragon Carrot

Daucus carota

Germination ~ 79%  Nov 2025 Packed for 2026 

Seeds per pack ~ 150  

Origins, Migration, and History
Dragon Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativus) is an open-pollinated specialty carrot that draws on the much older history of purple-rooted carrots, which trace back to the domestication of wild carrot in Central Asia around 1000 CE. From there, cultivated carrots spread into the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, where farmers selected for color, flavor, and root shape over many centuries. Dragon is a more recent cultivated variety rather than an ancient landrace, and seed sources describe it as having been bred by the late Dr. John Navazio from Kuroda and Chantenay-type carrots. Its striking purple exterior reflects the long legacy of purple carrots that were grown before orange carrots became dominant in Europe and later North America.

Appearance and Characteristics
Dragon Carrot is best known for its dramatic deep purple to magenta skin and its bright orange to yellow interior, sometimes showing both colors when sliced. The roots are usually about 5 to 7 inches long, with broad shoulders and a somewhat Chantenay-like form. Seed sellers note that the skin is thin and smooth, making the roots easier to wash and use without peeling than many other purple carrots. The tops are described as vigorous in early growth, and the roots hold well in the field, which makes this variety both ornamental and practical for home gardens and market production.

Culinary Uses
Dragon Carrot is valued for both fresh eating and cooked dishes. Its crisp texture and colorful flesh make it excellent for salads, vegetable trays, slaws, and lunchbox snacks, while its sweet, rich carrot flavor also works well in roasting, soups, stir-fries, and glazed side dishes. Because the outer purple pigment can fade somewhat with long cooking, many growers and cooks especially prize it for raw use or for lightly cooked preparations that preserve its dramatic color contrast. Its tender skin also makes it a good choice for unpeeled use after a good washing. This variety is especially appealing in mixed roasted root vegetables and in bunches for fresh market display.

Growing Tips and Sow Depth
Dragon Carrot grows best in loose, deep, stone-free soil where the roots can develop straight and smooth. Like other carrots, it performs well in cool to moderate temperatures and is usually direct sown rather than transplanted. Sow the seed shallowly, about ¼ inch deep, in finely prepared soil, keeping the seedbed evenly moist during germination, which can be somewhat slow and uneven in carrots. Thin seedlings so roots have room to size up, and keep the bed weed-free early on while the plants are getting established. Raised beds or deeply loosened soil are especially helpful for producing well-shaped roots.

Harvesting Guidance
Dragon Carrot is generally ready to harvest in about 70 days, though baby roots can be pulled earlier for fresh eating. Harvest when the shoulders are well colored and the roots have reached usable size, usually around 5 to 7 inches long. Loosen the soil before pulling if the ground is firm, which helps prevent root breakage. For the best flavor and texture, harvest while the roots are still young and tender, although this variety is also noted for holding well in the field for a reasonable period. After harvest, remove the tops and store the roots cool and humid to maintain sweetness and crispness.