Species photo — your cultivar may vary

1 / 14

Vegetables

Daucus carota 'Imperator'

imperator carrot

Apiaceae

Europe and southwestern Asia (Daucus carota); the Imperator type was developed in the United States in the 1920s-1930s

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–10

Overview

Daucus carota 'Imperator' is a carrot cultivar in the carrot family (Apiaceae) representing the Imperator type — the long, slender, tapered carrot class that dominates the US fresh market. Roots are 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) at the shoulder, uniformly tapered to a pointed tip. Flesh is bright orange, dense-grained, sweet, and crisp. The Imperator type was developed in the 1920s-1930s by crossing Nantes and Chantenay types to produce the long, straight shape adopted by the US supermarket industry — virtually all bagged carrots and "baby-cut" (lathe-peeled) carrots sold in US retail are Imperator-type roots. Days to maturity 70-80 from direct sow. The long root requires deep (12+ inches / 30+ cm), loose, stone-free, sandy loam soil — in heavy, rocky, or compacted soils, roots fork, stunt, or grow crooked. In raised beds, fill to 12+ inches (30+ cm) depth with stone-free mix supports proper development. Open-pollinated versions exist alongside modern F1 hybrids; 'Imperator 58' is a standard open-pollinated selection. Roots store 4-6 months at 32-34°F (0-1°C).

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The Imperator type was developed in the United States in the 1920s-1930s.

Suggested Uses

The standard fresh-eating carrot — raw snacking, carrot sticks, juicing, and salads. The long shape produces the uniform sticks and coins expected in US food preparation. Commercially, the Imperator shape is the raw material for 'baby-cut' carrots (lathe-peeled from large roots). In home gardens, the cultivar produces the supermarket-quality carrot when soil conditions are met.

How to Identify

Identified by the long (8-10 inches / 20-25 cm), slender, uniformly tapered root with a pointed tip — the longer root form compared with other standard carrot types. Separated from Nantes (cylindrical, blunt tip) and Chantenay (short, broad, conical) by the length and taper. The standard US supermarket carrot shape.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'4"

Width/Spread2" - 3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Biennial. Flowers appear in the second year.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White (second year)

Foliage Description

Dark green, finely divided

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-80 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sowing is 0.25 inch (6 mm) deep, with thinning to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm). Soil depth matters: 12+ inches (30+ cm) of loose, stone-free sandy loam supports the long root. Compacted clay produces forked roots. Raised beds with deep, loose fill match the cultivar's needs. Full sun, pH 6.0-6.8. Watering is 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week.