Carrot – Parisian

Description

Parisian Carrot  (A.K.A. Paris Market Carrot, Tonda di Parigi, Parisian Market)

250 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 55–70 days

Sun Requirements: Full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Botanical Name: Daucus carota

A French heirloom dating back to the early 1800s, Parisian carrots are unlike any other. These small, round carrots resemble radishes or golf balls, typically growing just 1–2 inches in diameter. Their squat, globe-like shape makes them ideal for containers, raised beds, and tough soils—especially where long-rooted carrots struggle. Originally bred in Paris for space-saving window box gardens, they quickly won favor across Europe and were introduced to the U.S. in 1861.

The short green tops grow to just 8–10 inches, making them easy to fit into tight garden rows or patio planters. Despite their size, Parisian carrots pack a sweet, rich flavor and smooth texture that shines in both raw and cooked dishes. They’re a favorite of chefs who love to roast them whole to bring out their sweet flavor, and they also shine in salads, pickles, and stews.

Thanks to their tolerance for rocky or heavy soils, Parisian carrots are an excellent choice for beginning gardeners or anyone growing in less-than-ideal conditions. They’re relatively pest-resistant and packed with vitamins.

Whether tucked into a window box or grown in garden beds, these carrots offer a compact size, rich flavor, and remarkable adaptability.

Planting Instructions for Parisian Carrot Seeds

When to Plant:
Direct sow Parisian carrot seeds outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last expected spring frost, once the soil reaches at least 50°F (10°C). Parisian grows best in cooler temperatures and can be planted again in late summer—about 10 weeks before your first fall frost—for a sweeter, fall-harvested crop. For staggered harvests, continue sowing small batches every 3 to 4 weeks during the main season. Avoid transplanting, as disturbed roots can grow misshapen.

Where to Plant:
Choose a site in full sun with light, loose, stone-free soil. Parisian thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and benefits from a deeply prepared seedbed. Raised beds or containers work especially well due to its compact root shape. Avoid beds that were recently amended with fresh manure, which can cause forking. A soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is ideal. Before planting, loosen the soil at deeply and mix in well-aged compost.

How to Sow:
Sow Parisian seeds ¼” deep and 1″ apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. The seeds are tiny—try mixing them with sand to distribute them more evenly. Cover with ⅛” to ¼” of sifted compost or fine soil, not coarse dirt. Press down gently and keep the surface moist. For best results, cover rows with burlap or shade cloth until the seeds sprout. Germination may take 7 to 21 days depending on soil temperature and moisture.

Watering:
Parisian seeds need consistent moisture to germinate properly. Use a fine mist spray or a micro-spray system to avoid displacing seeds. Once established, water about 1 inch per week. When carrots begin to size up, increase watering to 2 inches per week to encourage root development. Avoid inconsistent watering, which can cause roots to split. Always water at the soil level—avoid overhead sprinklers that may promote disease.

Fertilization:
Before sowing, mix in 2–3 inches of compost or well-rotted organic matter. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of root development. Once tops are about 4 inches tall, side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea. Avoid adding extra phosphorus unless your soil is deficient, as it may lead to split or misshapen roots.

Mulching:
Once seedlings are 1–2 inches tall, add a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures consistent. Use straw, shredded leaves, or dried grass clippings. Avoid using fresh clippings, which release too much nitrogen too quickly and can lead to forked roots. Let clippings dry for a few days before applying in a thin layer. Mulch also helps keep carrot shoulders from turning green from sun exposure. In early spring, black plastic mulch can warm the soil and speed up germination.

Thinning:
Thin Parisian seedlings when they are 1–2 inches tall to about 2–3 inches apart. Use scissors to snip the tops at soil level rather than pulling, which can disturb nearby roots. Proper spacing allows Parisian to grow round and uniform.

Pest & Disease Management:
Parisian is vulnerable to the same pests as other carrots, including carrot rust fly, weevils, nematodes, and leafhoppers. To prevent damage, use floating row covers from planting until harvest, and avoid disturbing the foliage when weeding, as its scent can attract pests. Rotate crops yearly, and don’t plant carrots in the same area more than once every three years. Keep the bed free of weeds and debris. For nematodes, avoid planting in infected soil and consider interplanting with French marigolds.

Common Diseases:
This variety may be affected by powdery mildew, leaf blights, and root canker. Ensure good air flow by thinning and avoiding overcrowding. Water early in the day and avoid wetting the foliage. Remove any infected plants immediately to prevent spread.

Harvesting:
Parisian is typically ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after planting. Begin pulling when roots are 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These petite, globe-shaped carrots have smooth skin and a tender, crisp texture. Loosen soil with a fork before pulling to avoid breakage. Trim tops to ½–1 inch after harvest.

Storage:
Store freshly harvested Parisian carrots in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, leave them in the ground under mulch and harvest as needed, provided your soil doesn’t freeze. Alternatively, store in damp sand or sawdust in a root cellar. Parisian also preserves well by freezing, canning, or dehydrating.

Freezing:
Wash, peel, and cut Parisian carrots into slices or small pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes (or 5 minutes for whole carrots), then transfer immediately to an ice bath. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then pack into freezer bags or containers. Label and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Canning:
Use a pressure canner. Wash, peel, and cut Parisian into slices or small chunks. Raw pack or hot pack (simmer 5 minutes). Fill clean jars with carrots and boiling water, leaving 1 inch headspace. Optional: add 1 tsp canning salt per quart. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and seal. Process in a pressure canner based on your altitude. Cool completely and check seals after 24 hours.

Dehydrating:
Wash, trim, and peel if desired. Slice or dice carrots, blanch for 2 minutes, and cool in ice water. Drain and arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at 125°F (52°C) for 4–12 hours, until brittle or leathery. Let cool fully before storing in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place.

Seed Saving:
Parisian is a biennial variety. Leave healthy carrots in the ground or replant them to overwinter. In year two, they’ll flower and produce seed. Isolate by at least ½ mile from other Daucus carota types (including Queen Anne’s Lace) or use row covers to prevent cross-pollination. Collect and store dried seed in a cool, dry place. Properly saved Parisian seeds remain viable for 2–4 years. We offer pre-labeled seed-saving envelopes to help you stay organized.

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