Queen Anne's Lace 'Dara Daucus'

Dara Daucus (Daucus carota)

Dara Daucus, also known as Queen Anne's lace, ornamental carrot, or wild carrot, is an outstanding cut flower. This elegant and rustic bloom is a unique addition to any garden or floral arrangement. Lacy umbels, measuring three to five inches across, are formed atop strong, sturdy stems. The flowers appear in dreamy shades of dark purple, romantic pink, or creamy white, creating a soft, whimsical effect. A highly productive plant, it yields seven to fifteen stems per plant and offers exceptional longevity in bouquets, making it an essential for any cut flower enthusiast.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Lightly cover - needs light

GERMINATION: 12 - 16 days at 16-18°C

HEIGHT: 24-36”

MATURITY: 75 - 85 Days

SPACING: 3 - 12"

PINCH: Not Necessary

HOW TO GROW:
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost date. In warmer climates (zones 7 and above), you can also sow in the fall. Sow seeds thinly in rows, covering them lightly with soil. For a continuous harvest throughout the summer, make 2-3 successive sowings, spaced about two weeks apart.

Transplanting (alternative): For an earlier harvest, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Chill seeds at $5$–$8°C$for 1-2 weeks before sowing to improve germination. Once the first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into larger containers. Provide cooler temperatures of 14–$17°C$ for best seedling establishment. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Soil Preference and Fertilizing: Dara Queen Anne's Lace thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, average garden soil. It does not require high fertility; overly rich soil can lead to weak, leggy stems. Amending the soil with compost before planting is usually sufficient. No additional fertilizing is typically needed.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and while seedlings are establishing. Once mature, plants are relatively drought-tolerant and will only need watering during long periods of hot, dry weather.

Harvest: Harvest when nearly all of the tiny florets on the inflorescence (the large, flat flower head) have opened. Cutting too early can lead to wilting, while cutting too late (when seeds are forming) can cause the flowers to shatter and reduce vase life. The ideal time is when the flower head is fully open and flat, or just beginning to dome. Immediately after cutting, place the stems in a bucket of cool water. Use a floral preservative to extend the vase life.

Tips: If you are growing tall varieties or are located in a windy area, providing support with stakes or a trellis may be necessary to prevent the delicate stems from bending or breaking.