Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, is a charming and versatile biennial wildflower that brings an ethereal quality to borders and wildlife gardens. With its delicate, lacy white flowers and feathery foliage, wild carrot is a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s also known for its medicinal and culinary uses, making it a valuable addition to both ornamental and practical gardens.
If you’re considering growing wild carrot from seed, here are some things to note:
How many grams of wild carrot seeds do I need?
Our seed packets contain approximately 500 wild carrot seeds and are ideal for sowing in seedling trays or direct sowing into garden borders. For larger areas, we recommend sowing at a rate of 1g/sqm and increasing to 2g/sqm for densely populated growth.
What are wild carrot seeds?
Wild carrot seeds come from Daucus carota, a biennial plant native to Europe and Asia, and naturalised in the UK. Commonly known as Queen Anne’s Lace, this wildflower is famous for its lacy white flowers and fern-like foliage.
How do I grow wild carrot seeds?
To grow wild carrot seeds, sow them directly onto the soil surface in early spring or late summer. Lightly press the seeds into the soil without burying them too deeply. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 2–3 weeks.
Where is the best place to plant wild carrot seeds?
Wild carrot seeds thrive in sunny locations and well-drained, slightly sandy or loamy soils. They do well in a variety of soil types, from fertile garden beds to poor, dry soils, making them perfect for wildflower meadows, roadside plantings, or wildlife-friendly gardens.
When should I plant wild carrot seeds?
The ideal time to plant wild carrot seeds is in early spring after the last frost or in late summer for overwintering. You can also sow them in autumn in regions with milder winters. This gives them the cold stratification they need for strong germination.
Are wild carrot flowers attractive to wildlife?
Yes, wild carrot flowers are highly attractive to pollinators. Their delicate, white lacy umbels are rich in nectar, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. They also provide a food source for some bird species once the seeds mature.
How tall do wild carrot plants grow?
Wild carrot plants typically grow to a height of 60–90 cm (24–36 inches), with flower heads reaching up to 60 cm across. They are ideal for creating vertical interest in borders and their seed heads bring an architectural quality to the garden in autumn.
Is wild carrot easy to grow?
Yes, wild carrot is relatively easy to grow. It requires minimal care once established, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for low-maintenance gardens and managed meadows.
How long does it take for wild carrot seeds to germinate?
Wild carrot seeds typically germinate in 14–21 days, depending on the temperature and moisture levels. Cold stratification can help improve germination rates when sowing in autumn or early spring.
Does wild carrot work well in garden borders?
Wild carrot’s slender, fern-like foliage and tall, airy flowers create a soft, romantic look that pairs well with other wildflowers, grasses, and perennials. Just keep in mind that wild carrot can self-seed and spread, so it’s best suited for areas where some naturalizing is welcome.
How do I care for wild carrot plants once they’re established?
Wild carrot plants require minimal maintenance once established. To prevent overgrowth, you can deadhead spent flowers to avoid excessive self-seeding. Water during prolonged dry spells, but generally, wild carrot is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Flowers: June to September.
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