Carrot bur parsley
Caucalis platycarpos · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant carrot bur parsley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Flat-fruited parsnip or Flatfruit parsley-piert
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Adult height
- 20–60 cm tall
- Flowering
- June to September
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Western Asia
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, prefers temperate to warm regions
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely divided and airy
Care
Light exposure
Place this plant in full sun; it needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily for optimal growth. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Choose a well-exposed, airy location.
Soil
Caucalis platycarpos prefers well-draining, light and rather poor soil. A mix of garden soil with sand or gravel works well. Avoid heavy, compacted or constantly wet soil, which promotes root rot.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, this plant tolerates some summer drought. Reduce watering in winter or as the growing season ends.
Fertilizing
Minimal feeding is sufficient for this undemanding species. A diluted balanced fertilizer once or twice early in the season can support growth, but it is often unnecessary with quality soil.
Pruning and training
No strict pruning necessary. You can pinch the growing tip at the seedling stage to encourage a more compact, branched habit. Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming if cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy, Caucalis platycarpos may be affected by powdery mildew in stagnant humid conditions. Aphids can feed on the sap in early season. Ensure good air circulation and intervene promptly if infestation occurs.
Did you know?
Caucalis platycarpos is a former weed of Mediterranean grain fields, once very common. Its flat, winged seeds disperse readily during harvest, making it an involuntary companion of human crops for millennia. Its recent decline is linked to agricultural intensification, making it a species of heritage interest in Europe.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CarawayCarum carvi
- MasterwortAstrantia major
- SamphireCrithmum maritimum
- Flat sea hollyEryngium planum
- Shrubby Hare's EarBupleurum fruticosum
- Crowfoot-leaved hare's-earBupleurum ranunculoides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.