1.69 Danvers 126 Carrot

Vegetable

 

Daucus carota var sativus

Description: The Danvers carrot was developed during the late nineteenth century in Connecticut; it worked wonderfully interplanted with onions and worked particularly well in heavy soils because of its higher fiber content than Nantes type carrots. Wonderful flavor. Very resistant to cracks and splits, strong tops, thus making harvesting easy. 1 PACKET WILL PLANT (1)-12 FOOT ROW.
Seeding Info: First sowing should be 2-4 weeks before last frost. Successive plantings every 3 weeks until 65 days before first fall frost. In very warm summer climates, carrots are primarily grown in the fall, winter and spring. Not recommended to start seed indoors.
Culture: A cool season vegetable.
Soil: Prefers a deep (12"), clod and rock free, sandy loam soil. Soil must be well drained. Raised beds work well for carrots. When adding organic material to soil, remember that fresh manure can cause carrots to "fork". Peat moss is a great soil amendment for carrots and up to 50% peat/soil mix is ideal.
Water: Evenly moist is essential. Don't let carrots dry out - plenty of moisture promotes fast growth which creates the sweetest roots.
Exposure: Full sun but will also grow in partial shade.
Fertilizer: Too much nitrogen causes carrots to fork. An organic fertilizer worked into the top 6" of soil is sufficient. The same location should not be planted with carrots any more than once in 4 years.
Special Care: Rosemary, sage, chives and leeks are good companion crops and help deter carrot pests. NOTE: If carrot crown is exposed, cover with soil or mulch; exposed tops cause bitter flavor. Soak seeds for 12 hours before sowing.
Harvest Info: Ready to harvest in 65 days. DO NOT allow carrots to get larger than normal size. Flavor is best after bright orange color develops. Peak harvest period lasts for 3 weeks. Late summer planted carrots are very sweet if harvested after first couple of light frosts but before heavy frost. In climates where temperatures don't fall below 20 degrees, with protection, carrots can be left in ground for storage and harvested as needed.