Seeds, Carrot Dragon (West Coast Seeds)

The flesh is sweet and mildly spicy, and very high in the antioxidant lycopene. Cook these carrots to take full advantage of the nutrition they have to offer. Lycopene is named after Lycopersicum, the genus name for tomatoes. Most Lycopene is consumed from tomatoes, and has been associated with prostate health for men. Plant Dragons carrots in deeply dug, loose soil and be sure to keep the surface of the soil damp during germination.

Matures in 60-90 days. (Open-pollinated seeds

Timing
Direct sow from just after the last frost date to late summer for harvests from summer through early winter. Sow at 3 week intervals for a continuous harvest. Direct sow winter-harvest carrots (where winters are mild) in the first two weeks of August. Optimal soil temperature: 7-30°C (45-85°F). Seeds may take as long as 14-21 days to germinate.

Starting
Because carrot seeds are tiny, they need to be sown shallowly. The trick is to keep the top-most layer of soil damp during the relatively long germination period. Water deeply prior to planting. Direct sow the tiny seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, 4 seeds per 2cm (1″), and firm soil lightly after seeding. Make sure the seeds are only just buried. Water the area with the gentlest stream possible, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.

Companion Planting
Plant with bean seeds, Brassicas, chives, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, pole beans, radish, rosemary, sage, and tomatoes. Avoid planting with dill, parsnips, and potatoes. Carrots planted near tomatoes may have stunted roots, but will have exceptional flavour. Chives also benefit carrots.