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

Daucus carota 'Rainbow' is the rainbow carrot mix, a seed blend producing roots in a range of colors — orange, yellow, white, red, and purple — from a single sowing. Fern-like bright green finely divided foliage 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The root colors come from different pigments: orange (beta-carotene), purple (anthocyanins), yellow (xanthophylls), red (lycopene), white (unpigmented). In the carrot family (Apiaceae). A seed blend, not a single cultivar: the roots are genetically different and mature at slightly different rates (70-75 days average). The root shapes vary by the component cultivars (typically a mix of Nantes and Danvers types). Purple roots often have an orange core. Direct-sow only: carrots do not transplant. Sow 2-3 weeks before last frost through midsummer. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Loose sandy loam with no stones for the straightest roots. Heavy clay or stony soil causes forking. The foliage sap contains furanocoumarins — photodermatitis risk (wear gloves in sun). Consistent moisture. Non-toxic (edible root crop). Tolerates light frost. Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Seed blend of multiple cultivars. The species D. carota is native to Europe and western Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L). Multi-colored roots from a single sowing. Direct-sow. Loose stone-free soil. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by roots in a mix of orange, yellow, white, red, and purple from a single sowing. A seed blend (not a single cultivar). The multi-colored roots distinguish the rainbow mix. In Apiaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Biennial: flowers in the second year if overwintered. Grown as an annual for root harvest. Bolting produces a woody root.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White compound umbels if allowed to bolt (second year)

Foliage Description

Bright green, fern-like, finely divided (bipinnate)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• 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 sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-75 days from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Loose sandy loam — no stones. Direct-sow only. Consistent moisture. The different root colors mature at slightly different rates. Foliage sap causes photodermatitis. Non-toxic. Annual.

Pruning

No pruning. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) apart. Do not disturb the taproot. Harvest at 70-75 days. The different colors are ready at slightly different times.