Daucus carota 'Mokum'
vegetableMokum is an F1 Amsterdam-type carrot bred for early baby and bunching markets, with slender 6 in. pencil-shape roots that color up fast and reach edible size in under 8 weeks. Outstanding flavor for an early variety - juicy, intensely sweet, and almost crunchy - and the sweetness holds up in warm weather better than most early carrots. Resistant to alternaria leaf blight. A favorite of market growers and home gardeners who want fresh carrots in early summer.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~54 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
Spacing
1-2 in. apart in row
Planting Depth
Seed 1/4 in. deep
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Soil Type
Loose, deep, sandy
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light feed pre-plant; light side-dress midseason if needed
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen 5-10-10 or compost
Direct sow Mokum 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost; the short Amsterdam shape forgives shallower or heavier soils that defeat Imperator types. Sow seed 1/4 inch deep in rows 12 to 18 inches apart and keep soil consistently moist through the 14 to 21 day germination. Thin to 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart for baby carrots or 2 inches for full size. Side-dress lightly at midseason if needed; over-fertilizing pushes leafy tops at the expense of roots.
spring planting
Direct sow
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 25
fall planting
Direct sow
Sep 1
Projected first harvest
Oct 25
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Insect-net the bed from sowing through harvest, particularly in spring; interplant with onions to mask the carrots scent
Hose off occasional clusters and support resident ladybugs and hoverflies
Do not plant carrots in newly broken sod; rotate beds yearly
Water consistently; Mokum splits readily after a downpour following dry weather
Mokum is ready as a finger-size baby carrot in about 48 days, or full bunching size in 54 days. Roots stay sweet harvested young, so begin pulling whenever shoulders are pencil-thick. Bunch carrots with their tops for 1 to 2 weeks of fridge life, or clip tops and bag for 2 to 3 weeks. They do not store as long as Bolero, so plant Bolero for storage and Mokum for fresh eating.
Carrots are the richest dietary source of beta-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid the body converts to vitamin A; a medium carrot covers more than a full daily value. They also contribute vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. Mokums very high sugar makes it kid-friendly raw, and a light cook with a little fat releases more beta-carotene than crunching them straight out of the garden.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting