Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126'
Danvers 126 carrot
Open-pollinated heirloom (developed in Danvers, Massachusetts, 1870s); the species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia
Overview
Daucus carota subsp. sativus spp. 'Danvers 126' is Danvers 126 carrot (Danvers Half-Long), a biennial grown as an annual for root production, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) foliage above ground. The edible root is a tapered conical shape 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long and 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) diameter at the shoulder — the Danvers type: shorter and broader than Imperator (supermarket) carrots. Deep orange. Bright green finely divided feathery (tripinnate) foliage. In the carrot family (Apiaceae spp.). Open-pollinated heirloom (developed in Danvers, Massachusetts, 1870s). Seed can be saved (biennial — flowers in the second year). The Danvers shape tolerates heavier clay soils than Nantes or Imperator types — the broader root pushes through denser soil. Direct-sow only — carrots resent transplanting (forked roots result). Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is the primary pest. The root cracks in heavy rain or inconsistent watering — the primary limitation. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated heirloom (developed in Danvers, Massachusetts, 1870s). The species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) and 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Danvers-type carrot — tolerates heavier soils. Open-pollinated heirloom. Direct-sow. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Biennial: flowers in the second year if overwintered — white flat-topped compound umbels. Grown as an annual for root production. Bolting in the first year makes the root woody and inedible.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White flat-topped compound umbels — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable for root productionFoliage Description
Bright green, finely divided and feathery (tripinnate compound), 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tallGrowing 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
Full sun (6+ hours). Deep loose well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0 — remove rocks and clods to prevent forking. Direct-sow only. Thin to 2 inches (5 cm). Consistent moisture — cracking results from uneven watering. Carrot rust fly. Succession-sow. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Thin seedlings to 2 inches (5 cm) apart when 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Pull entire root at harvest. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. No pruning of foliage during growth.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
2-3 weeks before last frost through mid-summer; succession-sow every 2-3 weeks
Days to Maturity
70–80 days
Plant Spacing
2 inches