Planting companions: Broad beans, peas, radishes, tomatoes, sage, rosemary, and especially with shallots, leeks, and other vegetables in the onion family, as their scent repels carrot flies and maggots.
Unfavorable companions: Beets, dill, ...
The "Imperator" carrot has uniform roots that typically measure 7 to 9 inches. Its tender and crisp flesh is sweet and coreless. It is one of the varieties most commonly found in grocery stores.
Prepare the soil 3 weeks before the last frost or when the soil temperature reaches 45°F (7°C). For a continuous harvest, sow carrots until late July, spacing the plantings 7 to 10 days apart.
These "Imperator" carrots are long and slender and appreciate deep soil to reach their full length. Build a raised mound about 8 inches wide. Sow the seeds on top and cover them with 1/4'' of soil. Keep the soil moist but do not let it become hard, as this could compromise seed germination.
When the seedlings reach 2" high, thin them gently to 2-4" apart, depending on the desired carrot size. The farther apart, the larger they will grow! Do not let the soil dry out. When the tops of the carrots start to emerge from the soil, cover them with mulch to preserve their tenderness. Weed control is crucial to prevent young carrots from becoming stunted.
Carrots can be harvested at any time since they are always delicious, regardless of root size. Younger ones are more tender, but as the season progresses, they become longer and thicker. Starting to pick carrots when they are large enough to eat allows the remaining carrots to continue growing. If they become challenging to pick, make sure the soil is moist enough.
