Daucus carota 'Gniff BIO' – Purple and white carrot specialty from Switzerland

Daucus carota 'Gniff BIO' is a unique carrot variety from Ticino, Switzerland. This organic variety is known for its short, stubby roots with a striking purple exterior and white flesh, which create attractive color contrasts when cut. Gniff BIO combines a unique appearance with excellent flavor and storage properties, making it an asset to any vegetable garden and culinary application.

External characteristics

Gniff BIO produces roots 10–15 cm long, making them ideal for compact cultivation and for use in dishes where short roots are desired. The roots have:

• Purple exterior, which fades slightly when cooked

• White flesh, with an attractive contrast when cut into roots

• Strong foliage that supports the plant's growth strength and health

These short, colorful carrots are not only visually appealing but also suitable for fresh consumption, cooking, juicing, and freezing.

Culinary value

Gniff BIO is a tasty and versatile carrot variety:

• Raw: in salads or as a snack, where the color contrast is extra attractive

• Boiled or steamed: the taste remains soft and sweet, with a subtle fading purple effect

• Juice: ideal for colorful juices, in combination with other vegetables

• Freezing: short carrots retain their taste and structure well

Due to their compact size and uniform shape, the roots are also suitable for plating and decorative presentation in culinary applications.

Sowing and cultivation instructions

Gniff BIO is a late variety, which can be sown outdoors at the beginning of June at the latest.

Sowing method

• Sow directly outdoors, sowing depth: 0.5 cm

• Row spacing: 30–40 cm

• Distance in the row: 6–8 cm

During the growing process, thinning is important, because the variety is very vigorous and produces a lot of foliage.

Location

• Sunny locations for optimal root development

• Soil: light, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil

• To protect against carrot flies: open, windy locations or cover with netting

• Do not use fresh fertilizer when sowing to prevent cracks and lumps.

Harvest

• Harvest period: August to October

• Gniff BIO keeps very well, ideal for late harvest and winter use

Crop rotation

• Grow carrots in the same place only every 6 years

• Compatibility: Grows well with corn, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and potatoes

Benefits of Gniff BIO

1. Unique color combination: purple on the outside, white on the inside

2. Organic variety: ideal for sustainable vegetable gardens

3. Compact and strong growing: short roots, lots of foliage

4. Easy to store: perfect for autumn harvest

5. Versatile: suitable for raw, cooked, juice and freezing

6. Aesthetically appealing: decorative in dishes and salads

Grow in a suitable location. Grows well with corn, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and potatoes.