Daucus carota aka Queen Anne's Lace
Taxonomy
Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot or bird's nest, is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia but has been naturalized in North America and Australia. The plant has various names including bishop's lace and Queen Anne's lace in North America. Domesticated carrots, which are cultivars of Daucus carota subsp. sativus, are popular for their bright green feathery foliage and sweet, smooth-skinned, cylindrical roots. They are usually harvested in late summer and autumn but can also be stored over winter. The Nantes variety of Daucus carota features an interesting mix of colors, including purple, orange, yellow, and white, with each color having a subtly different taste. This variety is an excellent source of Vitamin A and antioxidants. The wild carrot itself is a biennial plant with a height ranging from 30 to 60 cm. It has a stiff, solid stem covered in rough hairs. The leaves are finely divided and lacy, arranged in a pinnate pattern with bristly segments. The plant produces small, dull white flowers that cluster together in dense umbels.
Common names
Queen Anne's Lace, Wild Carrot, CarrotHow to care for Queen Anne's Lace
Difficulty
Queen Anne's Lace is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Queen Anne's Lace should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Queen Anne's Lace loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Queen Anne's Lace requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Queen Anne's Lace will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Queen Anne's Lace to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Queen Anne's Lace is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Queen Anne's Lace should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Queen Anne's Lace’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, China and eastern India.
More info:
Wikipedia
