Even though I amend diligently and till mightily, my garden soil is still heavy.
It’s amazing I can grow carrots in this dirt, but I can, and I have long-ago growers from Danvers, Massachusetts to thank for that.
They introduced the variety originally known as ‘Danvers Half Long’ more than a century ago. It’s able to grow in dirt that’s rocky or heavy, and still produces medium size carrots in a deep, rich orange.
Without this type, I’d miss the chance to devour homegrown Daucus carota sativus grown on my own land. And that would be a shame.
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Along with being grateful that there’s a heavy soil carrot option, I’m thankful that this is a standout cultivar.
It benefitted from an upgrade in 1947, when the improved ‘Danvers 126’ was released, with a sweeter flavor, increased crack resistance, and better yields.
Seventy-some years later, this variety doesn’t just grow where others won’t, it also tastes great, has an enhanced fiber content, and stores for a good, long time.
I’d like to introduce you to this swell option for the vegetable garden. I’ll also let you in on the growing techniques that maximize quality and productivity. Here’s what I’ll cover:
What Is a Danvers Carrot?Part of the back story for this sturdy variety is the same for all types of D. carota.
Whether wild or cultivated, multicolored or bright orange, all strains originated from central Asia, according to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Botany.
All types are also biennials, with a life cycle that spans two years. The plants spend much of their first season
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