SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Imperator 58

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Imperator 58 to a garden.

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

Botanical illustration of Imperator 58

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Imperator 58 Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Direct Sow May 25th Aug 8th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Direct Sow May 15th Jul 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Direct Sow May 15th Jul 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Direct Sow May 19th Aug 2nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Direct Sow May 15th Jul 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Direct Sow May 13th Jul 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Direct Sow May 8th Jul 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Direct Sow May 4th Jul 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Direct Sow May 1st Jul 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Direct Sow Apr 25th Jul 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Direct Sow Apr 20th Jul 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Direct Sow Apr 10th Jun 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Direct Sow Apr 1st Jun 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Direct Sow Mar 23rd Jun 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Direct Sow Mar 6th May 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Direct Sow Feb 9th Apr 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Dec 15th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitTaproot
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
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.