Carrot Flowers and Beneficial Insects

If you planted any carrots this past year, make sure you leave a couple in the ground to overwinter. They will flower the following spring, and are simply beautiful!

Carrot flowers are similar to Queen Anne's Lace in appearance because they are in the same family (Carrot family Daucus includes: Caraway, Queen Anne's lace, Tansy, Dill, Angelica) and can attract beneficial insects to the garden like Lacewing, Ladybug, Mealybug Destroyer, Minute Pirate Bug, Spider Mite Destroyer, Syrphid Fly, Tachinid Fly and Whitefly Parasitic Wasp. Give it a try!


Photo Credit: http://www.flagstaffotos.com/

2007 New Introduction: Carrot F1 'Ya Ya'

I wanted to start looking at some New Introductions for 2007, and the new Carrot F1 'Ya Ya' - Daucus carota - caught my eye.

If you live in a warmer climate, you can be growing carrots now, but many will have to wait till early spring.

Here is some information about the new F1 Carrot 'Ya Ya'

Hardiness: Cool-season vegetable good in USDA Zones 3 and warmer

Light: Full Sun

Soil: Deep, light, well drained soil without stones or other obstructions

Water: Regular watering. Don't overwater as continually wet soil can cause root rot

Habit: 7-inch (17.8 cm) long 1.25-inch (3.2 cm) wide cylindrical, blunt-tipped shape

Comments: A very sweet Nantes bunching carrot, with a bright orange color. Sets a new standard for quality and flavor. Harvest 60 days from sowing seed

Please visit www.weekendgardener.net for more 2007 New Plant Introductions!