Carrot

Origin: Central Asia, but spread around much of Europe/Asia by 2-3000 BCE

Family: Apiaceae
Subfamily: Apioideae
Tribe: Scandiceae
Subtribe: Daucinae
Scientific Name: Daucus carota

Folk Names: Bee’s nest, bird’s nest, bishop’s lace, Queen Anne’s lace

Magical

Element: Fire
Day: Wednesday
Planet: Mercury
Zodiac: Virgo

Parts used: Root, seeds

Magical Properties: Fertility, sexuality, healing

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Seeds
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 54°C

Scent Type: Herbaceous
Perfume Note: Middle
Scent Description: Herbaceous, earthy, and slightly spicy

Aromatherapeutic Use

Blends well with: Bergamot, juniper, lavender, citrus

Warnings:

Botanical

The domestic carrot is the subspecies sativus, which has been selectively bred for its larger and less woody taproot.

Wild carrot is very similar in appearance to poison hemlock.

Type: Biennial herb
Plant size: 30-60cm
Leaves: Finely-divided, lacy leaves
Flowers: Small, white flowers in dense umbels 8-10cm across, occasionally with a red or purple-ish flower in the centre

Etymology: The word carrot has been traced back to the Indo-European root ker (horn), in reference to its horn-like shape. In Old English, the carrot (which was whiter in colour) was not distinguished linguistically from parsnips - they were called moru/more (from the Proto-Indo-European mork, for “edible root”).

In the Garden

Type: Root vegetable
Sow: Spring/summer/autumn
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Light, well-draining soil

Companion Planting: Rosemary, sage, chives, lettuce, leek, onions, peas, tomato

Tips: