Danvers 126 Carrot is a classic heirloom variety prized for its sweet flavor, deep orange color, and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. A member of the Apiaceae family, this historic carrot originated in the Danvers region of Massachusetts and has remained a favorite among gardeners for generations. Its tapered roots and dependable performance make it one of the most widely grown heirloom carrot varieties available.
The attractive roots typically reach 6 to 8 inches in length and develop a rich orange color with a crisp texture and sweet flavor. Danvers 126 Carrots are excellent for fresh eating, salads, soups, stews, roasting, juicing, baking, and preserving. Their sturdy texture and outstanding flavor make them equally valuable for home kitchens, fresh market sales, and long-term storage.
This cool-season crop thrives in loose, well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Direct sowing is recommended, as transplanting may disturb the developing roots. Consistent moisture encourages uniform root growth and helps prevent splitting. Proper thinning allows each carrot sufficient room to develop fully, producing straight, high-quality roots suitable for harvest.
Reliable, flavorful, and easy to grow, Danvers 126 Carrot remains one of the finest heirloom carrot varieties for gardeners seeking dependable harvests, exceptional flavor, and versatile culinary uses throughout the year.
Danvers 126 Carrot Seed Details
- Quantity: 225 Seeds
- Plant Type: Heirloom Carrot
- Family: Apiaceae
- Root Appearance: Deep Orange Tapered Roots
- Root Length: 6-8 Inches
- Flavor: Sweet and Crisp
- Best Uses: Fresh Eating, Salads, Soups, Stews, Roasting, Juicing, Baking, Preserving
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/8-1/4 Inch
- Germination Temperature: 55-70°F
- Days to Germination: 10-15 Days
- Row Spacing: 4 Inches
- Plant Spacing: 2 Inches
- 100' Row Yield: 95 Pounds
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Harvest Time: Approximately 72 Days
- Special Features: Adaptable Variety, Excellent Flavor, Strong Storage Quality, Suitable for Heavy Soils
How to Save Seeds
Carrots will readily cross-pollinate with other carrot varieties as well as Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota), a common wild relative found throughout many regions. To maintain varietal purity, separate seed crops by at least one-quarter mile whenever possible.
Because carrots are biennial plants, they must overwinter before producing seed. In mild climates, protect roots with a thick layer of mulch. In colder regions, carefully dig and store selected roots in damp sand at cool temperatures until spring.
Replant the overwintered roots in spring and allow them to develop flowering stalks. Large umbrella-shaped flower clusters known as umbels will form and eventually produce mature seeds.
Allow the umbels to fully mature, dry, and ripen on the plant before harvesting. Once collected, separate the seeds from the dried flower heads and store them in a cool, dry location for future planting.