How to Grow Parisienne Carrot
Wikimedia Commons
Parisienne Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
vegetableParisienne carrots are a small, round heirloom variety prized for their tender texture and sweet flavor. These petite roots are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and are ideal for baby carrot harvesting or whole preparation. They mature quickly and are excellent for container growing and succession planting.
When should you plant Parisienne Carrot in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Parisienne Carrot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Parisienne Carrot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Parisienne Carrot
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Parisienne Carrot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8; can grow in zones 3-9 with season adjustments
Sign up free to see if Parisienne Carrot grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Parisienne Carrot timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksFeathery cotyledons emerge; thin seedlings at 2-3 true leaves to proper spacing
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright light; thin early and ruthlessly to prevent crowding
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksFeathery foliage develops; roots begin swelling underground; plants establish 3-4 inch tall green tops
Consistent watering is critical; thin if needed; remove any weeds; apply light mulch around plants
Root Development
3-4 weeksRoots swell and become more substantial; foliage continues to grow; shouldering begins (top of root visible at soil line)
Keep shoulders covered with soil or mulch to prevent green coloring; maintain even moisture; avoid high nitrogen
Maturity
1-2 weeksRoots reach 1-2 inches diameter, fully colored, tender texture achieved; foliage lush and full
Stop watering if harvesting immediately to improve sweetness; monitor shoulders for exposed areas; ready for harvest
Harvest
OngoingRoots firm, sweet, and tender; peak flavor window; foliage still green and attached
Harvest gently by loosening soil first; use fresh immediately or store in cool, humid conditions
Common Pests
-
Row covers over seedlings; crop rotation; remove affected foliage; companion plant with onions; avoid watering in early morning and evening
-
Crop rotation; remove infested roots; early harvesting; diatomaceous earth; insecticidal soap if severe
-
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Increase humidity; water foliage; neem oil; sulfur dust; encourage predatory mites
-
and
Handpick; copper barriers; beer traps; remove debris; encourage natural predators
Uses
Fresh and Whole Cooking
CulinaryParisienne carrots are ideal for eating raw as crudités, roasting whole, or adding to salads due to their small size and tender texture. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for children and gentle cooking methods. [source]
Baby Carrot Production
CulinaryThese naturally small varieties can be harvested early as true baby carrots, distinguishing them from machine-cut regular carrots. Early harvesting at 3-4 weeks captures peak tenderness. [source]
Nutritional Health
MedicinalParisienne carrots are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, supporting eye health, immune function, and skin health. The natural sugars provide quick energy. [source]
Storage and Preservation
HouseholdThese small carrots store well in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F) for 2-3 weeks in the crisper, or can be frozen, pickled, or fermented for longer preservation. [source]
Garden Ecosystem Support
WildlifeCarrot flowers (in second year bolting) attract beneficial insects, parasitic wasps, and pollinators. The feathery foliage provides shelter for ground-dwelling beneficial organisms. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Parisienne carrots are best harvested at 1-2 inches diameter when roots are tender and sweet (50-60 days from planting). They can be harvested as baby carrots earlier if desired. Use a garden fork to gently loosen soil before pulling to avoid root breakage. Harvest in morning when foliage is turgid. Twist off greens to prevent moisture loss. Can remain in ground in cool climates and harvested as needed; pull all before hard freeze. Fresh harvest provides peak sweetness and flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Parisienne carrots are a true French heirloom variety, developed in Paris in the 19th century specifically for fine dining and fine tables due to their perfect presentation and tender texture.
- 🌱 Orange carrots were selectively bred in the Netherlands in the 1600s to honor the Dutch royal family (House of Orange); Parisienne varieties came later and retain the orange coloration.
- 🌱 Carrots store sweetness by converting starches to sugars in cold temperatures, making fall-harvested Parisienne carrots noticeably sweeter than summer harvests.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Parisienne Carrot planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Parisienne Carrot seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Parisienne Carrot timeline →