Oxheart Carrot (Daucus carota) is a compact, heritage root variety admired for its dense leafy top growth and stout, rounded root structure. Its finely divided green foliage creates a soft, feathery texture in garden beds, while its root system forms a distinctive heart-shaped underground form. Ideal for decorative raised beds, border plantings, children’s gardens, and pollinator-supportive landscapes when allowed to flower in the second year.
Features
• Compact ornamental root with dense leafy tops
• Fine, feathery foliage adds texture to garden borders
• Hardy heritage type that thrives in most climates
• Biennial flowering supports pollinators and reseeding
• Non-GMO heirloom Daucus carota seed variety
Specifications
• Common Name: Oxheart Carrot (ornamental root)
• Scientific Name: Daucus carota
• Plant Type: Biennial ornamental (grown as annual root plant)
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Height: 8–24 inches (foliage)
• Root Form: Short, rounded, heart-shaped root structure
• Flower Color: White umbel blooms (in 2nd year)
• Bloom Season: Late spring–summer (biennial)
• Growth Habit: Bushy foliage with underground root form
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun preferred
• Soil Preference: Loose, sandy, well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects
• Maintenance Level: Low
• Plant Spacing: 2–4 inches; thin for larger ornamental roots
• Seed Viability: 3–5 years stored cool and dry
Planting Guide
• Direct sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost.
• Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in loose, well-drained soil.
• Maintain moisture until germination (7–21 days at 55–75°F).
• Avoid compact soil to support root development.
• Thin seedlings to allow stronger root and foliage formation.
• Grow in full sun to encourage sturdy leaf growth.
• Allow plants to overwinter for pollinator flowers and reseeding.
