Pusa Asita

Family: Apiaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly fragrant and sunset-bright, Pusa Asita Danvers carrots grow into long, well-filled roots with a smooth, tapered silhouette and a vivid orange core that feels satisfyingly crisp.

Their fine-grained texture holds beautifully for fresh crunch, roasting to a caramel-soft sweetness, and brightening with vibrant color in salads, slaws, and pickles. Ready in about 70 days, they’re a dependable choice for gardeners who want a classic Danvers form with a clean, sweet bite from garden to jar.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 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 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Pusa Asita is a Danvers-type built for eating raw as much as cooking—the texture stays crisp and the sweetness leans aromatic instead of earthy. Roast them hot for that caramel-soft center while keeping the exterior’s color, or pickle for a clean, high-contrast crunch that doesn’t go mushy.

Best Uses

shaved or baton-sliced fresh in salads and slaws where they stay snappy
high-heat roast until edges bronze for caramel-soft sweetness
quick-pickle slices for vivid color and a tangy bite
grate raw into slaws with creamy dressings to balance crunch

Flavor Profile

sweet, slightly floral carrot aroma crisp, fine-grained snap caramel-forward sweetness when roasted bright, juicy crunch in cold preparations

Kitchen Pairings

ginger lemon honey cumin yogurt cilantro

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Daucus carota (carrot) and how can I prevent it?

A common problem is carrot fly (adults lay eggs near the base; larvae tunnel into roots) and it’s worst where carrots are grown repeatedly. Cover rows with fine insect netting from sowing until harvest, remove weeds promptly, and avoid planting the same bed with carrot family crops in consecutive seasons. If you notice tunneling and frass, pull affected roots early to reduce breeding.

How often should I water carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) during the main growing phase?

During active root bulking (roughly weeks 3–8 after sowing), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water with a deep, slow soak about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and adjust to smaller, more frequent watering during hot or windy spells to prevent cracking and forked roots. Inconsistent moisture can cause root splitting and uneven growth.

How do I tell when Pusa Asita carrots are ready to harvest?

Most carrot types are ready around 70 days from sowing; check by gently brushing soil aside at the row and looking for shoulder diameter. Harvest when roots have filled out—typically when the top of the root is clearly thick and the roots feel firm, not woody. For best sweetness, pull in cool weather and harvest before roots become overly thick or begin to split.