Imperator 58 Carrot Seeds — Heirloom | Classic 9-Inch Tapered Bright Orange Market Carrot, Sweet & Tender | 65–80 Days

Imperator 58 (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is the carrot you see bundled at the farmers market and stacked in supermarket bins — the standard by which all other long orange carrots are measured. Uniform, tapered 9-inch roots with bright orange color, sweet and tender flesh, and fluffy green tops up to 8 inches tall that make beautiful bunches. Requires loose, sandy, rock-free soil to develop straight, full-length roots — the classic Imperator-type trade-off: demanding on soil preparation, exceptional in results. 1 g / 700+ seeds per packet. 65–80 days to maturity.

• Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Days to maturity: 65–80 days
• Days to germination: 14–21 days
• Root size: 9 inches long, tapered
• Root color: Bright orange throughout
• Flavor: Sweet and tender
• Top height: Up to 8 inches, fluffy green
• Soil requirement: Light, sandy, well-drained, rock-free; pH 6.5–7.5
• Water: ~1 inch per week; keep consistently moist
• Pests: Watch for weevils and carrot rust fly
• Packet size: 1 g / 700+ seeds
• Sowing depth: ½ inch
• Spacing: 1–2 inches; rows 18–24 inches; 16 plants per sq ft
• Light: Full sun
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO, annual

The Imperator Type — The American Market Standard

The Imperator carrot type was developed in the United States in the 1920s as a longer, more slender alternative to the Chantenay and Danvers types that dominated American gardens at the time. Imperator 58 is a classic selection of this type — the “58” designating the selection number from the breeding program. The long, tapered root profile and bright orange color became the commercial standard for fresh market carrots in the United States, and Imperator 58 remains the heirloom benchmark for this style. The variety is commonly found in supermarkets — growing it at home produces the same familiar shape and color with the superior flavor that only comes from garden-fresh harvest.

Soil Preparation — The Key to Straight Roots

Imperator 58 requires more careful soil preparation than shorter-rooted varieties like Danvers or Chantenay. The 9-inch tapered root needs loose, sandy, rock-free soil to grow straight and full-length. Rocks, clods, or compacted layers cause forking, stunting, and misshapen roots. Before sowing, rake through the soil to remove rocks and break up clods; loosen to at least 10–12 inches deep. Maintain a soil pH of 6.5–7.5. In heavy clay soils, consider raised beds filled with a sandy loam mix for best results. The extra preparation pays off in uniform, beautiful 9-inch roots.

In the Kitchen

• Fresh bunching: The classic use — wash, trim tops to 2 inches, and bundle with twine for a beautiful farmers market or table presentation
• Crudités & snacking: The long tapered shape cuts into perfect snacking sticks; sweet, crisp flavor needs no dip
• Roasting: Halve lengthwise and roast at 400°F with olive oil, honey, and thyme; the long shape caramelizes evenly
• Juicing: High sugar content and bright orange color produce excellent fresh carrot juice
• Soups & stews: Cut into coins or diagonal slices; holds shape well through cooking
• Glazed carrots: The uniform size produces even, attractive glazed carrot coins or batons

Growing Notes

Direct sow ½ inch deep in loose, sandy, well-drained, rock-free soil (pH 6.5–7.5) in full sun. Rake soil thoroughly before sowing to remove rocks and break up clods — this is the single most important step for straight root development. Sow 1–2 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart; thin to 1–2 inches as true leaves establish. Water consistently — approximately 1 inch per week; uneven moisture causes cracking. Remove weeds regularly as weed roots interfere with carrot root development. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause forking. Harvest at 65–80 days when tops sticking out of the soil appear full size — pull directly from the ground in sandy soil; use a hori-hori or garden fork in firmer soils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Imperator 58 roots forked or short?

Forking and stunting are almost always caused by rocks, clods, or compacted soil in the root zone. Imperator-type carrots require the most thorough soil preparation of any carrot type due to their length. Remove all rocks, break up all clods, and loosen soil to at least 10–12 inches before sowing. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers also cause forking — use balanced or low-nitrogen amendments only.

What pests should I watch for?

Weevils and carrot rust fly are the primary pests. Use floating row covers from sowing through establishment to exclude carrot rust fly adults from laying eggs near the roots. For weevils, practice crop rotation and remove plant debris after harvest. Both pests are manageable with preventive measures.

Is Imperator 58 the same carrot sold in supermarkets?

Yes — the Imperator type is the commercial standard for fresh market carrots in the United States. Imperator 58 is the heirloom benchmark for this style. Growing it at home produces the same familiar shape and bright orange color, with the superior flavor that only comes from garden-fresh harvest rather than cold storage and long-distance shipping.

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.