SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Purple Dragon

Carrot
Zone 10b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Purple Dragon to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Purple Dragon
75d to harvest

Sink your fingers into Purple Dragon’s velvety, ink-purple shoulders and watch the color fade to a luminous orange core as the roots mature. Sweet and earthy with a crisp, fine-grained bite, these Danvers-shaped carrots roast to caramelized depth while staying tender—ideal for brightening fresh platters, silky purées, and vivid pickled accents.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 15th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitTaproot
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)60
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Purple Dragon in Zone 10b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Purple Dragon.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Purple Dragon carrots during the main growing phase?
After germination, keep the top 2–3 inches of soil evenly moist so roots develop straight; aim for light, frequent watering in warm weather rather than soaking then drying out. Once plants are established, water about 1 inch per week total (from rain plus irrigation), adjusting so the soil never dries out completely or stays waterlogged. Uneven moisture encourages cracking and forked roots in carrots.
How can I tell when Purple Dragon carrots are ready to harvest?
Start checking around 70–75 days: look for shoulders pushing up at the soil line and size the roots reach the variety’s expected diameter (often 1/2–1 inch for home plantings). Harvest when roots are firm and brightly colored; avoid leaving them in the ground too long because they can become woody. Pull one or two as test samples and harvest the rest promptly once they match the test roots’ size and firmness.
Botanical illustration of Purple Dragon

Sink your fingers into Purple Dragon’s velvety, ink-purple shoulders and watch the color fade to a luminous orange core as the roots mature. Sweet and earthy with a crisp, fine-grained bite, these Danvers-shaped carrots roast to caramelized depth while staying tender—ideal for brightening fresh platters, silky purées, and vivid pickled accents.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Purple Dragon in Zone 10b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Purple Dragon.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Direct-sow and keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination to avoid misshapen roots and forked carrots.