Grown and eaten in Asia and Europe 1,000 years ago, these colorful carrots are available once again. Just like the popular orange carrots, red, purple, and yellow carrots contain plenty of vitamin A and other healthful nutrients. Carnival Blend carrots can also be harvested when only 3"–4" long for gourmet baby carrots.

Days to Maturity: 65–75 days

Family: Apiaceae

Type: Carrot 

Native: Africa, Eurasia

Hardiness: Frost-tolerant biennial grown as an annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Roots are 8"–10" long at their peak

Variety Info: PURPLE: Purple skin, orange interior, tapered roots. RED: Red skin, yellow interior, rounded ends. YELLOW: Yellow skin, yellow interior, tapered roots. ORANGE: Orange skin, orange interior, tapered roots.

Attributes: Frost Tolerant

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 45°F, ideally 60°–85°F. Successive Sowings: Every 3 weeks until 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In very warm climates, carrots are grown primarily in fall, winter, and spring.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended; root disturbance stunts growth.

Days to Emerge: 10–25 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 1"

Row Spacing: 6"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 3"

Harvesting: For best flavor and texture, harvest carrots any time before, and until they reach their optimal size. Peak harvest period lasts about 3 weeks, longer in the fall. Late summer-sown carrots are sweetened after having been kissed by light frost; however, harvest before soil freezes, which may destroy the crop. In USDA zone 5 or warmer, carrots can be left in the ground for storage provided they are heavily mulched; harvest as needed on days the ground is not frozen.