What hardiness zones is Daucus carota 'Rainbow' suitable for?

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Daucus carota 'Rainbow'?

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' requires full sun.

How much water does Daucus carota 'Rainbow' need?

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' has moderate, consistent moisture water needs.

Daucus carota 'Rainbow', Rainbow Carrot Mix

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Vegetables

Daucus carota 'Rainbow'

Rainbow Carrot Mix

ApiaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typevegetable

Habitupright rosette

Foliagedeciduous

Height12-18 inches

Width6-8 inches

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' is a colorful mix of carrot cultivars that produces roots in a spectacular array of hues including deep purple, bright orange, sunny yellow, and creamy white. This biennial vegetable, grown as an annual, features the characteristic feathery, finely divided foliage typical of carrots, reaching 12-18 inches tall above ground. The edible taproots develop into the classic elongated carrot shape, typically 6-8 inches long at maturity, with smooth skin and crisp, sweet flesh that retains its vibrant color when cooked. The purple varieties contain anthocyanins while the orange types are rich in beta-carotene, making this mix both nutritionally diverse and visually striking. In its second year, if allowed to flower, Daucus carota 'Rainbow' produces distinctive flat-topped white flower clusters called umbels, characteristic of the carrot family.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to temperate regions of Europe and Southwest Asia, originally found growing wild in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. The cultivated carrot varieties, including the colorful forms found in Daucus carota 'Rainbow', have been developed through centuries of selective breeding from these wild ancestors.

Suggested Uses

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container gardens. The colorful roots make excellent additions to fresh salads, roasted vegetable medleys, and as a striking garnish. This variety is perfect for farmers markets, children's gardens, and anywhere visual appeal is desired alongside nutritional value. The different colored varieties can be harvested and used separately or together for maximum visual impact.

How to Identify

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' can be identified by its distinctive feathery, finely dissected leaves that emerge in a rosette pattern from the crown of the developing root. The foliage is bright green and delicate in appearance, similar to carrot tops. Underground, the developing roots display the characteristic rainbow of colors - purple, orange, yellow, and white - that distinguish this mix from standard orange carrots. The roots have the typical carrot shape with a tapered form and smooth skin. When pulled from the soil, the colorful roots are the most definitive identifying feature of this particular cultivar mix.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Summer

summer of second year if not harvested

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white umbels (second year if allowed to bolt)

Foliage Description

bright green, finely divided and feathery

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-75 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' requires loose, well-draining soil free of rocks and debris that could cause forked or stunted roots. Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, as irregular watering can lead to splitting or poor root development. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer mid-season, avoiding high nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy growth at the expense of root development. Keep the growing area weed-free, as carrots are poor competitors, especially when young. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they reach 2 inches tall to prevent overcrowding. Hill soil around the shoulder of developing roots to prevent greening from sun exposure.

Pruning

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' requires minimal pruning - simply thin overcrowded seedlings and remove any flower stalks that appear if you want to focus energy on root development. If growing for seed production in the second year, allow the plant to flower and set seed naturally.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the plant are edible, though the roots are the primary harvest. The foliage can be used as an herb in small quantities but may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals when handling.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks before last frost through mid-summer

Days to Maturity

70–75 days

Plant Spacing

3 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

leeks

onions

chives

rosemary

sage

lettuce

peas

Avoid Planting With

dill

fennel

parsnips

cilantro