FULL SUN – CARROT, Cosmic Purple – Daucus carota sativa, native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia, wild carrots which come in a variety of colors have been foraged by indigenous peoples for millennia. The carrot did not become popular in America until the French introduced sweet, orange carrots in the 1860s. Cosmic is a striking purple carrot with orange center. Purple carrots are among the oldest of carrots. Cosmic’s 5-7 in. pointed roots are tender and sweet. Flavor becomes sweeter in storage. Cosmic can be sown in the early spring for a summer crop and in early summer for a fall crop. Soak seed for 12 hours before planting. Mix seed with soil or wood ashes before planting to allow for better distribution. In the spring, plant as soon as the ground can be worked. Soil should be deeply spaded before planting and amended with bone meal for stronger root development and lime to sweeten the carrots. Rows should be 6-8 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 3 in. between plants. Type Spacing Planting Depth Days to Germination Maturity Carrots 3 in. 1/2 in. 14-21 70
