Daucus carota Seeds (Wild Carrot)

Wild Carrot is a **Hardy Biennial**.

It follows a two-year cycle.
Year 1: It grows a low rosette of ferny, carrot-like leaves and establishes a deep taproot.
Year 2: It sends up tall, wiry branching stems (up to 90cm), flowers profusely, sets seed, and dies.

Top Tip: Unlike Ammi Majus which is an annual, this is a biennial. Sow it in summer (June/July) for flowers next year, or very early in spring for potential late flowers the same year.

This is a tough native plant that thrives on neglect.

Germination:
Sow directly outdoors from April to June or in Autumn (Sept). Scatter seeds thinly onto bare soil and cover lightly. Germination can be erratic (it is a wild plant!), taking 14-28 days.

Where to Sow:
It loves **sun** and dry, free-draining soil. It is incredibly drought tolerant thanks to its long taproot. It is perfect for gravel gardens, meadows, or dry banks where other plants struggle.

Care While Growing:
No transplanting: Like all carrots, it hates having its roots disturbed. Sow it where you want it to grow. If you must start in pots, use deep root trainers.

Wild Carrot is the ultimate meadow filler. Pair it with other structural natives:

• 🦋 Scabious 'Imperial Mix': The Pollinator Buffet. The flat landing pads of Scabious and Daucus are a favourite for butterflies. The pin-cushion flowers contrast perfectly with the lacy umbels.
• 🌾 Briza Maxima (Quaking Grass): Texture Harmony. The nodding lockets of the grass and the curling bird's nest heads of the carrot create a stunning, structural display that lasts well into winter.

Sow in summer or autumn. Flowers the following summer (June-August).