Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Rainbow'
rainbow carrots
Seed blend of open-pollinated cultivars; the species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia
Overview
Daucus carota subsp. sativus spp. 'Rainbow' is Rainbow carrots (Rainbow Blend), a biennial grown as an annual for root production, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) foliage above ground. A seed blend producing roots in multiple colors: orange, yellow, white, red, and purple. Root shapes vary by cultivar in the blend — typically Nantes-type (cylindrical, blunt-tipped) 6-7 inches (15-18 cm). The color range comes from different pigments: orange (beta-carotene), yellow (xanthophylls), purple (anthocyanins), red (lycopene), white (no pigment). Bright green finely divided feathery (tripinnate) foliage. In the carrot family (Apiaceae spp.). The colors are not uniform from seed to seed — each root is a single color determined by genetics, not a gradient. The purple roots lose color when boiled (anthocyanin is water-soluble) — roast or eat raw to retain color. Direct-sow only — carrots resent transplanting. Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is the primary pest. Requires loose soil — forks in clay or rocky soil. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Seed blend of open-pollinated cultivars. The species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) and 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Multicolor carrot blend. Purple roots: roast or eat raw to retain color. Direct-sow. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Biennial: flowers in the second year if overwintered — white flat-topped compound umbels. Grown as an annual for root production. Bolting in the first year makes roots woody.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White flat-topped compound umbels — only if allowed to bolt; undesirableFoliage Description
Bright green, finely divided and feathery (tripinnate compound)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Deep loose well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow only. Thin to 2 inches (5 cm). Consistent moisture. Purple roots lose color when boiled — roast or eat raw. Carrot rust fly. Succession-sow. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Thin seedlings to 2 inches (5 cm) apart when 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Pull entire root at harvest. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons