Imperator Carrot (Heirloom 70 Days)

Heirloom 1928. According to the 1936 Henry A. Dreer catalog; “This carrot represents a most desirable combination of choice eating qualities and splendid appearance. The roots grow 7-8” long. The Imperator Carrot has a broad shoulder and gradually tapers to a fine taproot. Due to their form, they are easy to harvest.” 

300 seeds

PLANTING

Daucus carota

Germination: 6-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-85ºF. The cooler the soil the longer it takes for germination, up to 3 weeks.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Sowing Outdoors: Start 3 weeks before last frost into mid-summer. Sow lightly, thin to 1-3” apart. The larger the carrot variety the more space needed between them. The soil moisture should be maintained regularly until germination, letting the soil dry out during this period may result in lower germination.

How much does a packet plant: 10-12 foot row

Harvest: Start when carrots reach finger size for baby carrots. Carrots planted for summer harvest will hold in the ground for a few weeks but tend to split if they stay in the ground for too long. Late season carrots hold longer and become sweeter in the cooler weather.

Tips: Using a row cover helps to maintain moisture for germination. The Imperator Carrot prefers loose soil, free of rubble. Use the shorter varieties for heavy soils. Keep well weeded and cover any exposed carrot with soil or mulch to prevent greening. An excess of nitrogen in the soil causes the roots to become hairy.