This purple carrot appeared normal from the top when I checked on it maybe a month ago (still too small to eat).
Today, I pulled it up and got this unsettling monstrosity.
Is it still edible? Will something happen to me if I eat it (mutant carrot powers)?
All the other carrots I've grown this summer appeared to be normal.
Please be kind. It's my first year growing carrots.
by Anahata_Green
8 Comments
At some point it may have been a little too dry and then got a little too much water which can cause them to split.
I’ve never seen them grow a new root on the side like that…
The bottom looks like it split more recently?
You can eat it. Might be tough, maybe better cooked like most carrots that aren’t orange.
Good job on growing carrots! It isn’t always easy.
Purple or orange?
Dang I thought this was a r/fiftyfifty post at first
Is it a carrot or medical condition?
I’ve grown some multi-colored carrots this year. I’ve had this problem with a few of my purple carrots. I’m not sure if that’s chance or if it’s something that those particular types of carrots are more prone to.
It is still edible. I ate mine. I noticed that the split edges are a little woody so I peeled some of that off, but they otherwise tasted just fine.
Looks like it got beet.
Ok I have to admit, the way I read the title made me laugh!😂
On a serious note, it could be a number of reasons.
Soil can be a problem if its too compact or doesn’tallow for good drainage to happen etc.
Under and/or overwatering can be a problem as well, especially combing the two together.
Disease or bugs like root knot nematodes which are tiny organisms that live in the soil and enter though the root tip can cause forking in carrots. This was the problem I had with my carrots last year.
Hope this helps! Too many causes and I have never seen a root grow on the side of a carrot like that.
It clearly got hit with a spade. And grew a new root. If you have money to award me, im good. Give it to a no kill shelter on my behalf
I have so had this before. I call them dancing carrots. It looks like it’s trying out for the Rockettes. While it was growing it hit a rock and that part of the carrot adapted. As far as the spilt, it may have gotten too hot at a point or been without water a tad too long at some point.
Good job actually growing a carrot, they’re pretty tricky for something so simple looking.