Carrot, 'Purple Dragon', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Direct sow into well prepared, light well-drained soil that is stone free. Carrots do not like manured soils so beds are best prepared during the previous autumn. Rake in a general purpose fertilizer 1-2 weeks before sowing. Sow very thinly 10mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Water until germination occurs. Germination takes up to 21 days. When large enough to handle thin to 10cm spacing. Please be aware the juice from the harvested carrot may stain.

Growing

Water only to keep the soil moist, excessive water encourages leaf, not root growth. Earth up around growing carrots to prevent green crowns. Carrot fly can be a problem, if so cover with fleece or fine netting.

Cultivation

Pull a single carrot first to check size. If soil is dry water before lifting as this will make it easier. Use a fork to lift roots. Damaged roots should be used immediately or discarded. Sound roots can be stored. Cut leaves to 2cm and store in layers of sand, carrots should not touch.