Imperator 58 Carrot

Grow the classic Imperator 58 Carrots, a commercial-quality heirloom variety that produces long, slender 8-10 inch carrots with deep orange color and exceptional sweet flavor. These uniform, cylindrical carrots feature smooth skin, small cores, and crisp texture that makes them perfect for fresh eating, juicing, and storage. Developed for superior performance, this variety delivers the classic carrot shape and flavor that gardeners and markets demand.

Growing Information

Days to maturity: 70-80 days from direct seeding
Planting: Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost through mid-summer; plant seeds 1/4 inch deep
Spacing: Thin to 2-3 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours daily)
Plant type: Root vegetable with feathery foliage 12-18 inches tall
Zones: 3-10 (cool-season crop)

Harvest & Use

Harvest when carrots reach 1-1.5 inches in diameter at the shoulder, typically 70-80 days after sowing. The long, tapered roots have sweet, crisp flesh with excellent flavor for fresh eating, cooking, or juicing. Perfect for raw snacking, vegetable trays, salads, roasting, soups, and carrot cake. The uniform shape makes them ideal for canning and freezing. Carrots sweeten after light frost. Store unwashed carrots in the refrigerator for 2-3 months, or leave in the ground with heavy mulch for winter harvest in mild climates.

Care Tips

Imperator 58 carrots thrive in deep, loose, well-drained soil free of rocks and clumps. Work soil deeply and remove obstacles that can cause forked or twisted roots. Keep soil consistently moist during germination (10-21 days). Thin seedlings when 2 inches tall to prevent crowding. Mulch to conserve moisture and keep soil cool. Plant with onions, leeks, or rosemary for excellent companion planting. Avoid planting near dill or parsnips. Carrots tolerate light frost and actually improve in flavor after cold weather.

Why Choose Imperator 58 Carrots

This proven heirloom offers commercial-quality carrots with exceptional uniformity, sweet flavor, and crisp texture. The long, slender shape is perfect for fresh market sales and makes impressive presentations. The small core and smooth skin mean less waste and easier preparation. As an open-pollinated variety, you can save seeds and maintain this reliable performer year after year. The excellent storage quality means you can enjoy homegrown carrots for months after harvest. Whether you're growing for market, preserving, or fresh eating, Imperator 58 delivers the classic carrot quality that has made it an industry standard for decades.