A Imperator 58 carrot freshly pulled from the garden

How to Grow Imperator 58 Carrots From Seed

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Updated July 2026

Imperator 58 is the long, slender carrot you know from the supermarket, a bright-orange root that tapers to a point and reaches 8 to 10 inches. It matures in about 70 to 75 days and needs deep, loose soil to grow that length straight and smooth. Sweet and crisp, it is a classic all-rounder for fresh eating and cooking. Give it a well-dug bed and you will grow long, handsome carrots at home.

This is the quick guide to Imperator 58. For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, sowing, feeding, and troubleshooting carrots, see our complete guide to growing carrots from seed.

Quick start

Sow Imperator 58 seed directly a quarter inch deep in deep, loose, stone-free soil, since these long roots need room to grow straight. Keep the surface moist through the 14 to 21 day germination, then thin to 2 to 3 inches apart. Water evenly and steadily. Harvest the long, slender orange roots in about 70 to 75 days.

Best tip

Imperator 58 only reaches its long, classic shape in deep, loose soil, so dig the bed at least 10 to 12 inches down and clear every stone, or grow it in a deep raised bed. In heavy or shallow ground the long tips fork, so if that is your soil, choose a shorter type like Chantenay instead. Water consistently, since dry spells make long carrots woody.

At a glance

Botanical nameDaucus carota subsp. sativus

Plant typeCool-season biennial grown as an annual

USDA zones2 to 11 (grown as an annual)

SunFull sun (6+ hours); tolerates light shade

Days to maturity70 to 75 days

HeightRoots 8 to 10 inches

SpacingThin to 2 to 3 inches apart

WaterEven and steady; about 1 inch a week

Uses

Imperator 58 is a crisp, sweet, all-purpose carrot, great raw as sticks and in salads, and just as good roasted, steamed, or added to soups. Its long, uniform roots slice cleanly and look the part on a plate. Grate it into bakes and slaws, and use the tops in the stockpot.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Imperator 58 carrots take to grow?

Imperator 58 matures in about 70 to 75 days from sowing. Give it a full season and deep soil to reach its long, classic shape.

Why do Imperator 58 carrots need deep soil?

Their long, slender roots grow 8 to 10 inches down, so they need deep, loose, stone-free soil to grow straight. In shallow or rocky ground the tips fork or stunt.

What do Imperator 58 carrots look like?

They are the long, slender, tapered bright-orange carrots you see in supermarkets, reaching 8 to 10 inches. The uniform shape makes them a favorite for fresh eating.

What should I do if my soil is heavy or shallow?

If you cannot dig deep, loose soil, grow Imperator 58 in a deep raised bed or container, or choose a shorter type like Royal Chantenay or round Parisian instead. Long carrots fork in heavy or rocky ground.

Ready to grow your own? Imperator 58 gives you long, slender, classic orange carrots when grown in deep, loose soil. For the full step-by-step, see our complete carrot growing guide linked at the top of this page.

Imperator 58 Carrot SeedsHeirloom, non-GMOHeirloom Imperator 58 — the classic long, tapered market carrot.$5.99$4.99

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Want more carrots? These value packs pair Imperator 58 with other varieties:

10 Unique Carrot Seeds Variety Pack10 carrot varietiesTen unique carrots in one pack, from classic orange to purple, red, yellow, and white. The easiest way to grow a whole rainbow of carrots.$14.99$13.49

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By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Maxim founded Organo Republic in 2017 and personally selects, tests, and grows the heirloom, non-GMO varieties the company offers. Under his leadership, Organo Republic was named Agri Business Review’s Top Non-GMO Seed Variety Solution 2026.