Candy Carrot
Athamantha turbith
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. CCDA — Athamantha turbith
Athamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbithAthamantha turbith
IOverview
Overview
Candy Carrot, scientifically known as Athamantha turbith, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. This light-loving, moisture-averse plant thrives in well-drained, sandy or medium soil types and can be found growing in hardiness zones 5-9. Its distinctive feature lies in its edible root, which is often used for culinary purposes. While not extensively cultivated, Candy Carrot adds a unique touch to gardens with its ornamental value, making it a delightful addition to landscapes seeking both beauty and edibility.
Quick answers
What is Candy Carrot?
Candy Carrot, scientifically known as Athamantha turbith, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Candy Carrot thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows up to 0.6 meters tall as a perennial. For propagation, plant seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested when mature.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Candy Carrot for the first time
8steps
Start with Candy Carrot as a simple, low-maintenance perennial root vegetable.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for a winter harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 5 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Transplant young plants carefully.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Fertilize once in midsummer with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 cm tall, and harvest roots after the plant flowers and goes to seed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Candy Carrot (Athamantha turbith) is edible and its roots are the part consumed. Typically, the roots can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. They may also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaAustriaFranceGermanyItalySpainSwitzerland
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · ccda3dff-ad90-41f2-b11c-7ddb12fb0525
Decision aid
Choosing between Candy Carrot and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.