Dara – Daucus Seed

Outstanding cut flower that’s actually a carrot.
Attractive 3-5" lacy umbels atop strong, sturdy, upright stems. Flowers in shades of dark purple, pink, or white. Highly productive with 7-15 stems per plant. Long-lasting in bouquets. Also known as Queen Anne’s lace, ornamental carrot, and wild carrot. Ht. 36-50". Avg. 31,100 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 12-16 days at 60-65°F (16-18°C)

SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) – In early spring after last frost (sow in the fall in the South). Sow seed thinly in rows, covering lightly. Make 2-3 successive sowings, 2 weeks apart for a continuous summer harvest. Transplant – Sow 4-6 weeks before planting out. When first true leaves appear, transplant into larger containers. Harden off and transplant outdoors after last frost. Tips: chill seed at 40-45°F(5-8°C) for 1-2 weeks prior to sowing in the greenhouse. Cooler temperatures of 58-62°F(14-17°C) are best for seedling establishment. Support may be needed if grown in windy areas.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT: 36-50" May need support if exposed to windy areas.

PLANT SPACING: 3-12".

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

STEM LENGTH: 12 -50".

HARVEST: Harvesting before 80% of flowers are open tends to reduce the uptake of water and cause the flowers to wilt. Dried: When the flowers are fully open and with no hint of pollen shed.

SOIL: Average, well-drained soil. Established plants will tolerate dry soils.

USES: Excellent cut flower. Backs of beds and borders.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES: Ammi spp., Daucus spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES: Queen Anne’s lace, false queen Anne’s lace, ornamental carrot, wild carrot, lace flower, false bishop’s weed, large bullwort, bishop’s weed, toothpickweed