Carrot Seeds,
Lila Lu Sang

Lila Lu Sang carrots are best direct sown in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, with a second sowing in midsummer for a fall crop. Keep the seedbed evenly moist for the full 12-18 days the seed takes to germinate. In frost-free regions, the carrots can be left in the ground over winter, where they will sweeten even further. In colder areas, harvesting should be completed before the first heavy frost, or the carrots can be stored in a cool, dark place until ready to use​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

When sowing Lila Lu Sang carrot seeds, plant them about 1/8 inch deep in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Carrot seeds can be challenging to handle due to their small size, so using seed tape or mixing seeds with sand can help with even distribution. To ensure the carrots have enough room to develop, thin the seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they reach about 2 inches in height. This spacing helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to smaller, misshapen roots. The seeds typically take 12-18 days to germinate, depending on the soil temperature, which should be kept consistently warm and moist for optimal results.

Thinning the seedlings is important to avoid competition for nutrients. Regular mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. These carrots generally take around 75 days to mature, at which point they can be harvested when they reach the desired size. The deep purple color of the roots will develop fully as the carrots mature, especially in cooler temperatures​.

Lila Lu Sang carrots, like other carrot varieties, are biennials. They produce seeds in their second year of growth. To save seeds, allow some carrots to overwinter in the ground if your climate permits, or dig them up and store them in a cool place before replanting in spring. It's important to note that carrots can cross-pollinate with other varieties or even wild carrots, so if you wish to preserve the unique characteristics of the Lila Lu Sang, it's best to isolate the plants during flowering.