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