Laguna

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweet as late-summer sunshine, Laguna Imperator Carrot forms long, tapered roots with a rich, true orange core and a silky, fine-grained bite.

At maturity, the surface stays notably smooth and clean, with a crisp texture that holds its charm whether enjoyed fresh or roasted for caramelized depth. Laguna’s dependable 75-day rhythm makes it an easy favorite for gardeners seeking a polished, market-ready harvest from a single sowing.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

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	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Laguna is an Imperator built for that showroom-smooth, fine-grained texture—no woody crunch, just crisp sweetness. Roast it hard enough to bronze the edges and it turns syrupy without going mushy, making it a standout for glazes and silky purées.

Best Uses

peeled ribbons or batons for raw crunch under tangy dressings
hot-sheet roasting until edges darken and centers stay tender
glossy carrot-honey glaze for sheet-pan vegetables
quick purée/soup base that stays silky without turning starchy

Flavor Profile

sweet, sun-warmed flavor silky, fine-grained bite crisp snap with a clean orange core roasting develops caramelized, honey-lean notes

Kitchen Pairings

ginger cumin butter orange coriander lentils

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common problem for Daucus carota (carrots) like “Laguna,” and how do I fix it?

Carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) commonly suffer from carrot rust fly, whose larvae tunnel into the roots, leaving trails and stunted plants. Cover beds with fine mesh or floating row cover from shortly after sowing until harvest to block egg-laying, and remove any damaged roots promptly so larvae don’t continue in the soil. If you spot telltale damage, thin to spacing quickly to reduce stress and keep soil surface tidy to discourage further egg deposition.

How often should I water carrots during their main growing phase?

During the main root-filling period (after most seedlings are up), keep the top 2–3 inches of soil evenly moist—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply, then avoid long dry spells followed by heavy watering, which can cause root cracking and forking in Daucus carota. If the soil dries out, water in shorter cycles so moisture penetrates without waterlogging.

How can I tell when “Laguna” carrots are ready to harvest?

Start checking around 70–75 days: look for the shoulder of the carrot root bulging at the soil line and size that matches the label expectations. Harvest when the tops are at full vigor and the roots have reached a firm, well-filled feel—overgrown carrots can become tougher and more woody. Loosen the soil carefully with a fork and pull straight up, avoiding twisting that can break roots.