Annuals

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126'

Danvers 126 Carrot

UnknownEurope

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height12-18 inches
Width6-8 inches

Overview

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' is a classic American heirloom carrot cultivar developed in Danvers, Massachusetts in the 1940s. This open-pollinated variety produces medium-length, broad-shouldered roots that taper to a blunt point, typically measuring 6-7 inches long and 2 inches across at the shoulders. The roots display the characteristic bright orange color and sweet, crisp flesh that made this cultivar a favorite for both fresh eating and storage. The foliage consists of finely divided, feathery green leaves that grow 12-18 inches tall in a rosette pattern above ground. Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' is distinguished from other carrot varieties by its sturdy, broad shoulders and excellent storage quality, making it particularly valuable for winter keeping. The variety is known for its reliable performance in various soil conditions and its resistance to cracking, though it performs best in loose, well-drained soils.

Native Range

Daucus carota is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa, with the wild form commonly found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. The cultivated subspecies sativus was developed through centuries of selection from the wild carrot, with 'Danvers 126' being a specific American cultivar bred in Massachusetts.

Suggested Uses

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing. This variety is excellent for fresh eating, juicing, cooking, and long-term storage. The sturdy roots make it ideal for winter storage in root cellars or refrigeration, and it's particularly valued for canning and preserving. Suitable for both home gardens and market growing due to its reliable production and good storage characteristics.

How to Identify

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' can be identified by its distinctive broad-shouldered, medium-length orange roots that taper to a blunt point rather than coming to a sharp tip. The roots typically measure 6-7 inches long with shoulders about 2 inches wide. Above ground, the plant displays the characteristic feathery, finely divided carrot foliage in a bright green color. The variety can be distinguished from other carrot cultivars by its stocky, conical shape and excellent keeping quality when harvested.

Appearance

Bloom Information

summer of second year if allowed to bolt

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

70-80 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' requires loose, well-drained soil free of stones and debris to allow proper root development. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot or excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development. Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart when they reach 2 inches tall to prevent crowding and ensure proper root formation. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer mid-season if needed, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over root development. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Danvers 126' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. The roots are edible and nutritious, while the foliage, though not commonly eaten, is also non-toxic. Generally safe around pets, though large quantities of any vegetable matter may cause digestive upset in some animals.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

direct sow

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks before last frost through mid-summer

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Plant Spacing

2 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
leeks
onions
chives
rosemary
sage
lettuce
peas

Avoid Planting With

dill
parsnips
fennel