Berlicum

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweet, carrot-top fragrance rises from the soil as Berlicum develops—an Imperator carrot with a rich, true-orange core and a crisp, fine-grained bite.

At maturity (about 75 days), roots are long and smoothly tapered, holding their color and tenderness for standout freshness in the garden. Grow Berlicum for vibrant, clean flavor in fresh salads, plus reliable performance for roasting trays and bright, silky sauces.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Taproot

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built like an Imperator for eating fresh: Berlicum’s sweetness and fine-grained crunch make it shine in shaved or lightly dressed applications. When cooked, it caramelizes cleanly and turns down any stubborn earthiness, giving you a bright, silky sauce without tasting stewed.

Best Uses

shaved raw salads where the fine bite holds under dressing
sheet-pan roasting for caramelized edges without going woody
quick-blitzing into a silky purée or smooth sauce

Flavor Profile

true-orange sweetness snappy fine-grained crunch gentle earthy carrot aromatics clean finish that stays sweet

Kitchen Pairings

lemon ginger honey butter cumin yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my berlicum starts developing downy mildew or leaf spotting?

In berlicum (75 days to maturity), downy mildew shows as pale yellow patches on upper leaves with a gray-purple growth on the underside, especially in cool, damp weather. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at soil level early in the day so foliage stays dry. If it keeps spreading, apply a labeled protectant fungicide (follow the label for berlicum/greens) and repeat as directed until new growth is clean.

How often should I water berlicum during its main growing phase (weeks 3–9)?

During the main growth period, water berlicum about 1–2 times per week to keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. If you push a finger into the soil and it feels dry 1 inch down, water thoroughly; if water pools or the soil stays wet, cut back to prevent rot and mildew. Aim for steady moisture through leaf expansion, then slightly ease off near harvest so leaves don’t stay constantly wet.

How can I tell when berlicum is ready to harvest?

Berlicum is typically ready around 75 days after sowing when plants have formed a firm, well-sized head/rosette and leaves look fully expanded and sturdy. For peak flavor, harvest when outer leaves are mature but before they start yellowing or getting tough and bitter—usually when the center is tight and the plant holds its shape. Cut at the base in the morning, and don’t wait until leaves are visibly senescing.