Danvers 126 Carrot Seeds

Danvers 126 Carrot

A true American classic, the Danvers 126 Carrot has been a staple of home gardens since the 1940s. With its deep orange, broad-shouldered roots that taper to a blunt tip, Danvers 126 is prized for its exceptional sweetness, reliability in heavy or clay soils, and outstanding storage quality. Whether you're pulling them fresh from the garden for a crisp snack or storing them through winter, these dependable carrots deliver season after season.

Variety Highlights

• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
• Root Length: 6–8 inches, broad-shouldered with a blunt tip
• Color: Deep, rich orange inside and out
• Flavor: Sweet, mild, and crisp
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 70–75 days
• Best For: Fresh eating, juicing, cooking, and long-term storage
• Soil Tolerance: Performs well in heavy, clay, or shallow soils

Planting Instructions

• When to Plant: Direct sow in early spring (3–5 weeks before last frost) or late summer for a fall harvest. Carrots prefer cool weather.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (minimum 6 hours).
• Soil: Loose, deep, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Remove rocks and break up clumps to allow straight root development. Danvers 126 tolerates heavier soils better than most varieties.
• Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep — carrot seeds need light to germinate, so do not bury deeply. 
• Seed Quantity: avg. 1500 seeds
• Spacing: Sow seeds 1–2 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin to 3–4 inches apart once seedlings are 2 inches tall.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination (up to 3 weeks). Once established, water deeply 1–2 times per week.
• Germination: Seeds germinate in 14–21 days. Be patient — carrot germination is slow but steady.
• Fertilizing: Use a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage root development. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy tops over roots.
• Harvesting: Harvest when shoulders are ¾–1 inch in diameter. A light frost actually improves sweetness by converting starches to sugars.

Growing Tips

• Cover seeded rows with burlap or row cover to retain moisture during the slow germination period.
• Succession plant every 3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
• Store harvested carrots in a cool, humid environment — they keep for months in a root cellar or refrigerator.
• Interplant with onions or leeks to deter carrot fly.