Bring a Touch of Wild Elegance to Your Garden with Daucus carota ‘Dara’
Daucus carota ‘Dara’, often simply called ornamental carrot or wild carrot, is a stunning addition to wildflower meadows and naturalistic borders. This variety stands out with its delicate, lacy umbels that emerge in soft shades of pink, deepening through rose and burgundy as they mature. Its airy, elegant form adds a light touch to planting schemes and blends beautifully with grasses and other perennials.
Admired for its ability to attract a wide range of pollinators, ‘Dara’ is a valuable plant for supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It has also made appearances in prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens, where its natural charm and versatility have been showcased to great effect.
Growing Conditions
Daucus carota ‘Dara’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is perfect for wildlife-friendly gardens, meadow-style planting, and adding a loose, romantic feel to flower beds.
Planting Guide
Sowing Indoors: Sow seeds from February to April in trays of moist seed compost. Lightly cover and maintain a temperature of around 18–20°C. Germination typically takes 14–21 days.
Transplanting: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots and harden off before planting outside after the risk of frost.
Direct Sowing: Alternatively, sow outdoors from April to June into well-prepared soil, thinning seedlings to their final positions.
Spacing: Allow 30–45 cm between plants for strong, healthy growth.
Care & Maintenance
Watering: Water moderately until established, then only during prolonged dry spells.
Feeding: Not usually needed in fertile soil; avoid rich feeding which can cause leggy growth.
Deadheading: Removing spent flowers can encourage further blooms, or leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife.
Support: Taller plants may benefit from light support in windy sites.
Biennial Notes: Usually flowers in the first year if sown early, but can behave as a biennial under cooler conditions.
Flowering & Cut Flower Tips
Daucus carota ‘Dara’ flowers from July to September, providing continuous interest. The strong stems and intricate flower heads make it ideal for fresh cutting. For the best vase life, pick when the umbels are fully open but still fresh. The flowers also dry beautifully for everlasting arrangements.
Garden Impact
Perfect for creating a soft, wild look, ‘Dara’ attracts pollinators and adds height, texture, and movement to borders. Its muted colour palette complements a wide range of planting schemes and is ideal for anyone seeking a garden full of life and natural beauty.
