Naval

Carrot

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Rosette

Sweet and richly aromatic from the first bite, ‘Naval’ Imperator carrots mature into long, true-to-type roots with a smooth, sati…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	May 20th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Super Star Onion

White Sweet Spanish Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common problem with carrot (Daucus carota var. sativus) like 'naval', and how do I treat it?

Watch for Alternaria leaf blight (target-like spots with yellowing) and manage it early by removing heavily spotted leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Improve airflow with wider spacing and keep the bed evenly moist (stressed plants are more prone), then rotate out of carrot-family crops for at least 3 years to reduce carryover.

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

During the main growth period (from when seedlings establish until roots fill), keep the top 1–2 in of soil consistently moist with deep watering 1–2 times per week depending on your soil and heat. Don’t let the bed dry out and then soak again—carrots that swing between dry and wet are more likely to crack and fork.

How can I tell when 'naval' carrots (Daucus carota var. sativus) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots reach about 3/4 to 1 in (2–3 cm) across and the tops are still healthy, typically around 70–85 days after sowing. Gently pull one or two plants to check size; if they look thin, wait a week and recheck to avoid harvesting undersized roots.

Sweet and richly aromatic from the first bite, ‘Naval’ Imperator carrots mature into long, true-to-type roots with a smooth, satiny surface and a vivid, warm orange core. Their crisp texture holds beautifully—tender yet satisfyingly snappy—making them a standout for fresh snacking, roasting to caramelized sweetness, and brightening sauces with their natural depth. Grow ‘Naval’ for a dependable 75-day harvest that delivers show-stopping color and clean, straight form in the garden.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the best long, straight “navel/imperator” roots, sow in deeply loosened soil and keep the top layer consistently moist until germination.