mooncarrot
Seseli libanotisfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 2FDB — Seseli libanotis
Seseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotisSeseli libanotis
IOverview
Overview
Mooncarrot (Seseli libanotis) is a biennial or perennial herb that thrives in various habitats across Europe and Asia, from the Balkans to Scandinavia and Central Asia. Native to Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and other regions, it has been cultivated for its edible roots and leaves. This plant prefers full sun with light to moist soil, thriving in conditions ranging from sandy to clay soils. Mooncarrot is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Its distinctive features include its ability to adapt to diverse environments and its use as a food source, making it both ornamental and edible in gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is mooncarrot?
Mooncarrot (Seseli libanotis) is a biennial or perennial herb that thrives in various habitats across Europe and Asia, from the Balkans to Scandinavia and Central Asia. Native to Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and other regions, it has been cultivated for its edible roots and leaves.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mooncarrot thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will benefit from moist conditions during dry spells. This plant grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. Mooncarrot can be propagated through seeds and divides. Harvest its edible leaves and roots after the second year of growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow mooncarrot for the first time
8steps
Mooncarrot is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare by loosening the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart; for transplants, space them similarly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season; roots can be dug after the first frost.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, and neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The mooncarrot's leaves and roots are edible. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked, while the roots are typically dug up and used in soups or stews after being peeled and chopped. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNorwayRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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