Danvers Carrot: The Carrot That Tolerates Heavy Soil
Danvers carrots are 6–7 inch orange roots that mature in 70–80 days. They tolerate heavier soil better than most carrots and store well.
Carrots are slow but rewarding. The key is soil preparation and consistent moisture.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 14-21 |
| Days to harvest | 70-80 |
| Sun | 6 hours |
| Spacing | 3 inches |
| Root length | 6-7 inches |
| Flavor | Sweet, earthy |
Why Grow It
- Tolerates heavier soil. Better than long, thin varieties.
- Stores well. Keeps for months in cold storage.
- Sweet flavor. Especially after frost.
- Versatile. Raw, roasted, in soups.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Forked roots. Rocky soil or fresh manure. See: Why Your Carrots Are Forked.
Failure 2: Slow germination. 14-21 days. Keep soil consistently moist.
Failure 3: Tiny roots. Too crowded. Thin to 3 inches.
Failure 4: Green tops. Sun exposure. Hill soil around the top.
Comparison
| Variety | Length | Days | Soil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danvers | 6-7 in | 70-80 | Tolerates heavy |
| Nantes | 6-7 in | 65-75 | Loose soil |
| Imperator | 8-10 in | 75-85 | Deep, loose |
| Chantenay | 5-6 in | 70-80 | Heavy soil |
Common Questions
Why are my carrots forked? Rocks, compacted soil, or fresh manure.
How do I get sweet carrots? Harvest after light frost.
Can I grow carrots in containers? Yes. 12-inch deep pot, loose soil.
Do I need to thin them? Yes. To 3 inches. Otherwise, tiny roots.
How do I store them? Cool, humid place (32-40°F). Or leave in ground with mulch.
Why are the tops green? Sun exposure. Hill soil around the top.