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Daucus carota 'Imperator'
Imperator Carrot
Europe and southwestern Asia (Daucus carota); the Imperator type was developed in the United States in the 1920s-1930s
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'4"
Width/Spread2" - 3"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Biennial. Flowers appear in the second year.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White (second year)Foliage Description
Dark green, finely dividedGrowing 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
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.Pruning
No pruning. Seedlings are thinned to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons