Vegetables
Daucus carota ssp. sativus 'Imperator'
imperator carrot
Open-pollinated cultivar (1933); the species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia
Overview
Daucus carota ssp. sativus spp. 'Imperator' is Imperator carrot, a biennial grown as an annual for root production, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) foliage above ground. The edible root is a long slender tapered shape 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long and 1.5 inches (4 cm) diameter at the shoulder — the Imperator type: the standard supermarket carrot shape. Deep orange. Bright green finely divided feathery (tripinnate) foliage. In the carrot family (Apiaceae spp.). Open-pollinated (1933). Seed can be saved (biennial — flowers in the second year). Requires deep loose sandy or loamy soil — 10+ inches (25+ cm) of uncompacted depth. Forks and stunts in clay, rocky, or shallow soil — the primary limitation. The long slender root is fragile and snaps during harvest if soil is not loosened first. Direct-sow only — carrots resent transplanting. Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) is the primary pest. Foliage may cause phytophotodermatitis when handled in sunlight. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Annual. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Open-pollinated cultivar (1933). The species D. carota is native to Europe and southwestern Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and deep containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) and 14 inches (35 cm) deep. Imperator-type carrot — standard supermarket shape. Requires deep loose soil. Open-pollinated. Direct-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
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.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White flat-topped compound umbels — only if allowed to bolt; undesirableFoliage Description
Bright green, finely divided and feathery (tripinnate compound), 10-14 inches (25-35 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 sandy or loamy soil pH 6.0-7.0 — 10+ inches (25+ cm) uncompacted. Direct-sow only. Thin to 2 inches (5 cm). Consistent moisture. Forks in clay or rocky soil. Carrot rust fly. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Thin seedlings to 2 inches (5 cm) apart when 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Pull entire root at harvest — loosen soil first to prevent snapping. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 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