Imperator 58

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweet, crisp, and richly carrot-scented from the first bite—Imperator 58 delivers a smooth, uniform harvest with a deep, true-orange core and a clean, tapered silhouette.

The texture is notably tender-crisp, holding its snap for fresh use and roasting, while its bright flavor shines in vibrant sauces and quick pickles. Grow Imperator 58 for a dependable 75-day rhythm and a garden-to-plate payoff that looks as good as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Taproot

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Imperator 58 is built for the clean snap-to-sweet ratio—raw it stays crisp, and in the oven it caramelizes at the edges while keeping a tender bite. Use it where its uniform, true-orange flavor can show off: quick pickles, hot roasts, or a silky carrot purée with bright acid.

Best Uses

shaved or julienned raw salad with a punchy vinaigrette
roasting on high heat for caramelized edges without going woody
quick refrigerator pickles for a snappy, tangy bite
glossy carrot-forward sauce or purée for a vivid orange finish

Flavor Profile

sweet, true carrot sweetness crisp tender snap deep orange, clean carrot perfume bright, lightly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

ginger lime cumin honey butter Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problems commonly affect Daucus carota (carrot), and what should I do if I see them?

Watch for carrot fly (eggs near the crown that lead to tunneling) and for Alternaria leaf blight, which shows as dark, target-like spots on the foliage. Use fine row cover immediately after sowing to block carrot fly, and remove heavily infected leaves early to slow Alternaria; keep the bed free of weeds that harbor pests. If you see leaf blight spreading, avoid overhead watering and water only at soil level to reduce leaf wetness.

How often should I water carrot while roots are developing, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main root-filling phase (about weeks 4–10 after emergence), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for heat and wind. Let the soil start to slightly dry at the surface between waterings, then water deeply to encourage straight, well-filled roots. Uneven moisture can cause cracking and forked roots, so avoid long dry spells followed by heavy soaking.

How can I tell when my Daucus carota ‘Imperator 58’ is ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70–75 days from sowing: the shoulders should be visibly thick above the soil line and the roots should feel firm when gently tugged. For Imperator-type carrots, harvest when roots are near the expected size and before they get oversized, which can lead to a tougher core. If unsure, pull a test row—if the interior is crisp and fully colored, harvest the rest promptly.