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 '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). 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.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons