Dragon Carrot

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly aromatic and vividly colored, Dragon Carrot brings a bold, carrot-top presence with a smooth, crisp bite and a rich, honeyed flavor that shines from the first harvest.

True to Danvers type, the roots are deep orange and well-shaped, with a confident taper and tender core that holds its character whether enjoyed fresh or roasted into caramelized sweetness. A standout for gardeners who love dependable performance and a harvest that looks as striking as it tastes.

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)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built like a classic Danvers: deep sweetness with a tender, non-mealy bite, so it can hold its own raw without tasting watery. Roast it hot for caramelized edges, and use carrot-top herb energy as the finishing note—bright, not grassy.

Best Uses

quick shaved or batons in a citrusy salad where the crunch stays loud
roasting to caramelized sweetness—hot oven, higher heat for browned edges
glazing in a honey-butter or maple reduction for sticky lacquer
pureeing into silky soups with a little fat to round the sweetness

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness crisp, juicy snap sweetly aromatic carrot-top finish vibrant orange core that roasts into jammy edges

Kitchen Pairings

ginger lemon honey butter yogurt coriander

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Daucus carota (dragon carrot) and what should I do?

Carrots commonly get Alternaria leaf blight and Cercospora/leaf spots, especially in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard infected tops, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and improve airflow by spacing plants properly. If spots keep spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for vegetables at the first signs and repeat as directed on the label.

How often should I water dragon carrots during their main growing phase?

During root bulking (roughly weeks 5–10), keep the soil consistently evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Water deeply enough to reach where the roots are growing, and reduce watering right before harvest to limit cracking.

How can I tell when Daucus carota var. sativus is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 70–90 days, and start checking earlier around day 75 for the shoulder size you want. Look for the top of the root just above the soil line to fill out and the roots to feel firm rather than flexible; if you see a lot of green at the crown with a well-defined shoulder, it’s ready. Pull one sample carrot first—if the root reaches the expected thickness and color, harvest the rest the same day.