Carrot

Catalogue Type

Seed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Daucus carota

Family

Apiaceae

Distinguishing Characters

Carrot seeds are tiny and covered with a spiny, hooked, and slightly curved mericarp.
The mericarp contains a characteristic oil which inhibits seed germination, requiring the removal of the mericarp before planting.
The seeds are very small and brownish is colour.

Photo of Seed

Description

Carrot seeds are not true seeds in a botanical sense but are dry fruits called 'schizocarps'.

Seeds are highly variable due to cross-pollination and have undergone extensive breeding programs to increase uniformity.

Hybridization, however, has not produced consistent results.

Seed development and vigor are determined by the conditions under which they are formed.