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Daucus carota 'Danvers'
Danvers Carrot
Developed in Danvers, Massachusetts in 1871; the species {D. carota} is native to Europe and western Asia; the Danvers type was bred for heavier soil conditions that cause the narrower Nantes type to fork — the broad conical shape pushes through clay and compacted soil more readily than cylindrical types; the cultivar has held its place in North American home and market gardens across 150+ years of parallel introduction and retirement of other carrot cultivars
Overview
Daucus carota 'Danvers' is Danvers carrot (Danvers half-long), a biennial root vegetable grown as an annual, with sturdy bright green fern-like foliage 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and a conical tapered orange root 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, broader at the shoulder (1.5-2 inches / 4-5 cm diameter) and tapering to a pointed tip. The Danvers type is broader and more conical than the cylindrical Nantes type. In the carrot family (Apiaceae). Developed in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1871 — bred specifically for heavier soil conditions that cause the narrower Nantes type to fork. The broad conical shape penetrates clay and compacted soil more readily than cylindrical types. Direct-sow only: carrots do not transplant. Sow 2-3 weeks before last frost through midsummer. The foliage sap contains furanocoumarins that cause photodermatitis (phytophotodermatitis) in some individuals when skin contact is followed by sun exposure; gloves are helpful during foliage handling to reduce the risk. Consistent moisture for even root development. Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) and wireworm are the primary pests. Non-toxic (edible root crop). Tolerates light frost. Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Developed in Danvers, Massachusetts (1871). The species D. carota is native to Europe and western Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with 12 inches (30 cm) depth to hold the 6-8 inch tapered root. Suited to heavier clay soils than Nantes types can penetrate. Direct-sow. Succession-sow across spring and early summer windows for a continuous supply across fall. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Biennial: flowers in the second year if overwintered — white compound umbels. Grown as an annual for root harvest. Bolting produces a woody root.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White compound umbels if allowed to bolt (second year); not typical in annual productionFoliage Description
Bright green, fern-like, narrowly divided (bipinnate), sturdyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun (6+ hours per day). Direct-sow only since the taproot forks if disturbed. Tolerates heavier clay soil that causes Nantes types to fork — the conical shape of Danvers roots pushes through compacted and clay soils more readily. Consistent moisture for even root development. Foliage sap contains furanocoumarins that cause photodermatitis in some individuals; gloves are helpful during foliage handling. Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is the primary pest and row cover during the flight period reduces egg laying on the crown. Non-toxic (edible root crop). Annual.Pruning
No pruning. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) apart after germination to give each root room to size up without crowding. Do not disturb the taproot at any stage. Harvest at 70-80 days by loosening soil with a spade or fork and pulling the root by the foliage base.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting 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. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks.
Days to Maturity
70–80 days
Plant Spacing
3 inches