Dragon Carrot
Best colorful root vegetable for gardeners with heavy clay soil.
Discover the unique Dragon Carrot, an open-pollinated variety celebrated for its striking appearance and exceptional flavor. This Danvers-type carrot boasts vibrant purple skin, bright orange flesh, and a distinctive yellow core. Developed by Dr. John Navazio, it reaches about 7 inches in length and offers a delightful spicy-sweet taste. It's remarkably hardy, performing well even in challenging heavy clay soils, and is a good source of lycopene. Sow seeds shallowly and thin for optimal growth.
$4.15
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-61%
Below average
Days to Maturity
85
/ days
Who it's for
- Gourmet chefs and market growers seeking visual impact
- Health-conscious eaters prioritizing nutrient-dense produce
- Home cooks wanting versatile, flavorful garden harvests
Who should skip it
- Culinary perfectionists concerned with aesthetic presentation
- Novice gardeners with heavy or rocky soil conditions
- Busy cooks wanting to avoid messy kitchen cleanup
Performance breakdown
Soil Adaptability
Robust root structure thrives even in challenging, heavy clay conditions.
Visual Appeal
Striking tri-color interior makes for a stunning culinary presentation.
Flavor Complexity
Unique spicy-sweet profile elevates standard garden carrot expectations.
Nutritional Density
High lycopene content offers a rare nutritional boost for root vegetables.
Growth Reliability
Open-pollinated genetics ensure consistent performance for home gardeners.
Harvest Efficiency
Standard Danvers-type sizing allows for predictable and manageable crop yields.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
85 days
Root Type
Danvers-type
Root Length
7 inches
Seeding Depth
1/4-1/2 inches
Plant Spacing
Thin to 1-2 inches
Row Spacing
18-24 inches
Seeds per oz
11,000-37,500 (24,250 avg)
Optimal germination temperature
55-75°F
Features
- Striking purple skin with orange flesh and yellow core
- Spicy-sweet flavor profile
- Hardy and performs well in heavy soils
- Danvers-type root structure
- Lycopene content comparable to tomatoes
- Open-pollinated specialty variety
- Roots grow up to 7 inches long
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Dragon Carrot for its striking visual appeal and superior taste. The deep purple exterior contrasting with the vibrant orange core makes this variety highly desirable for presentation. Reviewers consistently note the excellent quality, evidenced by high germination rates. The flavor profile is frequently described as sweeter, earthier, and crisper than standard carrots, performing well both raw and roasted. Gardeners appreciate the robust nature of the plant, which thrives even in challenging soil. This specialty vegetable offers high value, delivering exceptional beauty and taste, making it a highly recommended organic seed choice.
Know before you buy
Dragon Carrots are a specialty Danvers-type variety featuring a striking purple exterior, bright orange flesh, and a yellow core. Beyond their unique appearance, they offer a distinct spicy-sweet flavor profile and are a notable source of lycopene.
Yes, this variety is specifically noted for its hardiness and ability to perform well in heavy clay soils where other carrot varieties might struggle.
Sow the seeds shallowly at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Once they sprout, thin the seedlings to 1 to 2 inches apart, keeping rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure proper root development.
These carrots typically reach maturity in 85 days. At this stage, you can expect the roots to grow to approximately 7 inches in length.
Dragon Carrots thrive in full sun and prefer soil temperatures between 55°F and 75°F for optimal germination. They require moderate watering throughout their annual life cycle.
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