Wild carrot seeds - Daucus carota

Daucus carota is a biennial herbaceous plant that offers a multitude of melliferous white umbels throughout the summer. It will find its place in the vegetable garden to attract pollinating insects, thus improving the productivity of your tomatoes. Its flowers can also be included in your countryside bouquets or used to lighten up your perennial beds. The white root, as well as the young leaves and seeds of this wild carrot are edible. It is easy to cultivate in the sun.

From the Apiaceae family, Daucus carota is the wild ancestor of the cultivated carrot. Originally from Iran, this plant germinates, develops and flowers over two years, and is thus known as a biennial plant. It produces a whitish taproot which is edible, but should be consumed in the first year. Indeed, in the second year, the root becomes more fibrous and its taste more pronounced. It can be stewed or used to flavour a broth. The entire plant has a characteristic carrot smell, which distinguishes it from other umbellifers.

The wild carrot forms a clump that is 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24in) tall. Its leaves are finely divided, resembling lace. When they are young and tender, they can be added to salads, cooked, or preserved in vinegar.

This wild plant blooms in the second year, from June to September, covering itself with white umbels. In their centre there is a sterile purple flower that serves to attract pollinating insects. Its flowers are highly melliferous (honey-producing) and are very popular in natural gardens and vegetable gardens. They can also be used to create lovely wild bouquets.

Following the flowers are violet fruits (diachenes) covered in prickles that contain edible seeds. They are highly aromatic and serve as a condiment, similar to cumin. For example, they can be used to flavour homemade bread.