How to Grow Carrot Paris Market

Carrot Paris Market

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

vegetable

Paris Market is a French heirloom carrot variety prized for its small, round, stubby roots that are perfect for container growing and dense plantings. This early-maturing variety produces sweet, tender carrots with excellent flavor and a delicate texture ideal for fresh eating and whole cooking.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Irregular watering causes root cracking and splitting.

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Spacing: 2-3 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches, direct sow seeds

Soil

Type: Well-draining, loose, sandy loam soil free of rocks and clods

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Sand for drainage Avoid fresh manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-10, can be grown year-round in mild climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Germination

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with thread-like cotyledons and first true leaves appearing.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination is slow (2-3 weeks). Thin seedlings to reduce crowding early on.

Seedling/Thinning

2-3 weeks

True leaves develop and seedlings grow to 1-2 inches tall with visible leaf texture.

Thin to 2-3 inch spacing. Remove thinned seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing remaining roots. Thin in stages if needed.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Feathery foliage expands, creating bushy green tops. Root development occurs underground as the carrot swells.

Maintain consistent moisture and weed regularly. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Prevent root shoulders from sunburning with soil cover.

Root Development & Maturation

2-3 weeks

Roots swell to full size (1-2 inches diameter), becoming plump and round. Shoulders should remain covered with soil.

Continue consistent watering. Ensure adequate mulch prevents greening of shoulders. Begin harvesting when roots reach desired size.

Harvest

Harvest window

Roots are tender, sweet, and at peak flavor. Can be harvested at baby stage or full maturity.

Loosen soil with fork before pulling to avoid breaking roots. Harvest in cool morning. Store in cool, moist conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Peas Tomatoes Onions Leeks Chives Dill Sage Rosemary

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill (in same bed) Apiaceae family members (to prevent pest concentration)

Common Pests

Use floating row covers until plants are established. Remove affected foliage. Trap adults with yellow sticky cards. Rotate planting location yearly.
Remove plant debris. Use row covers early season. Apply insecticidal soap if needed. Ensure good garden sanitation.
Use resistant varieties when possible. Crop rotation essential. Marigolds as companion plants. Improve soil health with organic matter.
Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Increase humidity and water plants in morning. Spray with water or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Uses

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Fresh eating and whole cooking

Culinary

Paris Market carrots are exceptionally sweet and tender, perfect for eating raw as snacks, in salads, or roasted whole. Their small, round shape makes them ideal for braising, steaming, and children's portions. [source]

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Classic French cuisine

Culinary

This heirloom French variety is traditionally used in French cooking for Vichy carrots (glazed whole carrots), pot-au-feu, and other classic dishes where whole small carrots enhance presentation. [source]

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Container and small space gardening

Household

The compact, stubby root system makes Paris Market ideal for growing in containers, raised beds, and dense plantings where longer carrot varieties cannot fit. [source]

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Beta-carotene and antioxidant content

Medicinal

Like all carrots, Paris Market is rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A) and antioxidants that support eye health, immunity, and cellular protection. The sweet flavor encourages consumption. [source]

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Heritage seed saving

Craft

As a true heirloom variety, Paris Market can be allowed to flower and self-pollinate in year two to produce seeds for future seasons, supporting garden sustainability. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting at 60-70 days when roots reach 1-2 inches in diameter. Can be harvested younger for baby carrots or left longer for larger roots. Loosen soil with a fork before pulling to prevent breakage. Harvest in cool morning for best texture. Remove green tops before storage. Store roots in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions in sand or plastic bags for up to 3 months.

Fun Facts

🌱 Paris Market carrots were developed in France in the 1800s and are considered one of the most popular heirloom carrot varieties in Europe, prized for their sweet, delicate flavor.
🌱 These carrots are sometimes called 'Nantes' or 'Thumb' carrots due to their small, round shape, and they were originally bred to grow in Paris market gardens with shallow soil.
🌱 Paris Market carrots turn sweeter after exposure to light frost, as cold weather converts starches to sugars—a natural antifreeze mechanism that improves flavor for fall and winter harvests.

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