What hardiness zones is Daucus carota 'Danvers' suitable for?

Daucus carota 'Danvers' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.

What are the sun requirements for Daucus carota 'Danvers'?

Daucus carota 'Danvers' requires full sun.

How much water does Daucus carota 'Danvers' need?

Daucus carota 'Danvers' has moderate, consistent moisture water needs.

Biennials

Daucus carota 'Danvers'

Danvers Carrot

ApiaceaeEurope

At a Glance

Typevegetable

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height12-18 inches

Width8-12 inches

Maturity0.05 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 9b

Zone 3a

Zone 3b

Zone 4a

Zone 4b

Zone 5a

Zone 5b

Zone 6a

Zone 6b

Zone 7a

Zone 7b

Zone 8a

Zone 8b

Zone 9a

Zone 9b

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Daucus carota 'Danvers' is a classic heirloom carrot cultivar known for its broad-shouldered, wedge-shaped roots that taper to a pointed tip. This cultivar typically produces carrots 6-7 inches in length with bright orange flesh that is sweet, crisp, and fine-textured. The foliage consists of feathery, deeply divided leaves that emerge from the crown in a rosette pattern, reaching 12-18 inches tall with a bright green color. The 'Danvers' cultivar is distinguished by its intermediate size and excellent storage qualities. The roots are notably uniform in shape with smooth skin and minimal core fiber, making them ideal for both fresh eating and processing. When allowed to bolt in the second year, Daucus carota 'Danvers' produces flat-topped umbels of small white flowers typical of the carrot family, followed by small, ribbed seeds.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa, where wild forms can still be found growing in fields and along roadsides. The 'Danvers' cultivar was developed in Danvers, Massachusetts in the 1870s as an improvement over earlier carrot varieties.

Suggested Uses

Daucus carota 'Danvers' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing. Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, and long-term storage. The uniform size and good storage qualities make it ideal for market gardening and food preservation.

How to Identify

Daucus carota 'Danvers' can be identified by its characteristic wedge-shaped orange roots that are broader at the shoulders and taper to a point. The foliage is distinctly feathery with finely divided, compound leaves that are bright green. The roots typically measure 6-7 inches long and 2-3 inches wide at the shoulders. When flowering, the plant produces the classic flat-topped white flower clusters (umbels) characteristic of the carrot family, standing 2-4 feet tall on sturdy stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.05 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

SpringSummer

late spring to early summer in second year

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

small white flowers in flat-topped clusters

Foliage Description

bright green, feathery and finely divided

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-80 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Daucus carota 'Danvers' requires well-drained, loose soil free of rocks and debris to develop straight, uniform roots. Plant in full sun with consistent moisture throughout the growing season, avoiding both drought stress and waterlogged conditions. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer mid-season, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2 inches tall to prevent crowding and ensure good root formation.

Pruning

Daucus carota 'Danvers' requires minimal pruning beyond thinning overcrowded seedlings. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage as needed throughout the growing season. If growing for seed production in the second year, allow the plant to bolt and flower naturally, then harvest seeds when the umbels turn brown and dry.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Daucus carota 'Danvers' roots and foliage are non-toxic and safe for human consumption. However, some individuals may experience skin sensitivity when handling the foliage, especially in combination with sunlight.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Indoor Start

2 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks before last frost through midsummer

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Plant Spacing

3 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

leeks

chives

rosemary

sage

lettuce

peas

Avoid Planting With

dill

parsnips

fennel

coriander