Purple Carrot ‘Gniff’ (Daucus carota) organic seeds
- An old Ticino variety with purple skin and a white core – a regional colour highlight with remarkable storage qualities.
- Contents: Approx. 300 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.79
Description
Historic Root Vegetable with a Two-Tone Surprise
The carrot variety 'Gniff' originates from the Swiss canton of Ticino and is considered a regional speciality with centuries-old tradition. Its name derives from the local dialect word for “purple” – a fitting reference to its strikingly dark skin. Inside, it reveals a delicate, cream-white core. The roots measure around 10 to 15 cm in length, with a rounded to conical shape, and are notable for their sweet, spicy flavour and excellent storage qualities. 'Gniff' stands out not only for its taste but also for its eye-catching appearance – whether raw, cooked or pickled. Particularly popular in autumnal cuisine, it adds vibrant colour to dishes and is gaining popularity among enthusiasts of heritage vegetable varieties.
Plant profile
| Use | Edible plant, Vegetable, Winter vegetables |
|---|---|
| Lifecycle | Biennial |
| Species | Apiaceae |
| Characteristics | Needs darkness to germinate |
| Eventual height | 20-60 cm |
| Flower colour | White |
| Flowering months | July, June, May |
| Main harvest | August, July, June, May, October, September |
| Fruit colour | Violett, Weiss |
| Root system | Taproot |
| Winter hardiness zones | 7 (-18 bis -12 °C) |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, February, January, July, June, March, May |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 10-18°C |
| Germination time | 2-6 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | Medium |
| Planting distance | 2-6 cm |
| Good companion plants | Cauliflower, Chard, Dill, Endive, Knoblauch, Leaf Lettuce, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radish |
| Bad companion plants | Celeriac, Fennel, Parsley, Parsnip |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Care of the 'Gniff' Variety
Sowing takes place directly outdoors from March onwards. Alternatively, a late summer sowing in July or August is possible to produce roots for autumn and winter storage. The seeds should be sown shallowly in rows and lightly covered with soil. A consistent germination temperature between 15 and 20 °C and evenly moist soil support germination, which occurs after approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Young plants should be thinned out to a spacing of 5 to 8 cm. 'Gniff' prefers loose, sandy-loamy soil without waterlogging and thrives in full sun and sheltered locations. Regular weeding and consistent watering are essential for well-formed, flavourful roots. Harvesting begins in August and can continue into late autumn, depending on the sowing date. When stored in a cool, dry place, the carrots remain crisp and fresh for several months.
Other names
Botanical name: Daucus carota
German: Gartenmöhre, Mohrrübe, Gelbe Rübe, Wurzel, Rüebli, Karotte
French: Faux chervis, Gironille, Pastenade, Moulette
Spanish: Acenoria, Azanoria, Bufanagas, Carrota, Carruchera, Cenoria, Pastana, Playa de prados, Rompesacos, Satanoria, Yerba meona, Yerba mosquera, Zanahoria, Zanahoria silvestre, Carlota, safanòria, Cenoura, Azenario, Pastanaga
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