Daucus carota ‘Dara’

Description

Daucus carota ‘Dara’ is an ornamental carrot known for its delicate, airy blooms in shades of pink, burgundy, and occasional white. This hardy annual grows to a height of 80cm with a spread of 40cm, adding height and a soft, hazy effect to garden borders. Flowering from June to September, Daucus carota ‘Dara’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Daucus carota ‘Dara’ is in early to mid-spring when the soil starts warming up. This ensures strong root establishment before flowering begins.
• Autumn: For earlier blooms the following year, sow Daucus carota ‘Dara’ seeds in early autumn, allowing them to overwinter and germinate in spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Daucus carota ‘Dara’ thrives in full sun for optimal flowering but can tolerate light shade. Choose a site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Daucus carota ‘Dara’. Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot. Incorporating organic matter like compost improves soil structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 20cm, removing weeds and stones to create a fine, crumbly texture.
2. Sowing Seeds: Scatter Daucus carota ‘Dara’ seeds directly onto the soil surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of soil or compost.
3. Spacing: Thin seedlings to 20cm apart once they develop their first true leaves, ensuring good airflow and strong growth.
4. Watering: Gently water after sowing to settle the seeds, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Daucus carota ‘Dara’ benefits from moderate watering. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, ensuring the soil dries slightly between sessions.
• Dry Spells: Increase watering during prolonged dry periods to prevent stress and encourage lush growth.

Feeding

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• A light application of liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season boosts flower production.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Regularly deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
• At the end of the season, allow some seed heads to mature if self-seeding is desired for natural regeneration.

Mulching

• Apply a layer of mulch in early spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility. Use organic materials like compost or well-rotted manure.

Supporting the Plant

• While Daucus carota ‘Dara’ has strong stems, taller plants may benefit from light staking in exposed areas to prevent flopping.

Final Tips

Daucus carota ‘Dara’ is a stunning ornamental carrot that adds height and a delicate, airy feel to garden borders. With its soft pink, burgundy, and occasional white blooms, this hardy annual is a perfect choice for cottage gardens and wildflower meadows. By planting Daucus carota ‘Dara’ in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and following a simple care routine, you can enjoy a spectacular floral display from June to September. Consider leaving some seed heads in place to encourage self-seeding for effortless blooms in the following season.

RHS Details

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