How to Grow Paris Market Carrot
Daucus carota 'Paris Market'
Paris Market Carrot is a reliable heirloom root vegetable prized for its sweet flavor and resistance to splitting. Gardeners grow it in cool seasons because it tolerates light frost and thrives in well-drained soil.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Paris Market Carrot: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Paris Market Carrot is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow seeds outdoors rather than starting indoors, planting them 2-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, fine-textured soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to encourage straight roots. Sow seeds directly outdoors 2-6 weeks before your last spring frost date since carrots are a cool-season crop. Press seeds gently into the soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Germination typically takes 14 to 21 days, so keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period.
Space seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart once they emerge to allow proper root development. Carrots do not require support or trellising as they grow underground. Provide about one inch of water per week, ensuring moisture remains consistent to prevent cracking. Apply a light layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds without touching the emerging tops.
Watch for carrot fly, aphids, and wireworms; use row covers or companion planting to deter pests. Prevent leaf blight, black rot, and cavity spot by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good air circulation. Harvest roots in 50-60 days when they reach full size. Gently loosen the soil around the plant before pulling to avoid damaging the taproot.
When to Plant Paris Market Carrot
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | — | May – July | July – September |
| Zone 3 | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | — | January – March | March – December |
| Zone 11 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 12 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 13 | — | January – February | February – December |
Companion Plants for Paris Market Carrot
✓ Good companions
Repels carrot flies and aphids while improving soil health
Repels carrot flies through scent masking and attracts beneficial insects
Shallow roots don't compete, provides ground cover to retain moisture
Root secretions repel nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests
Break up compacted soil ahead of carrots and can be harvested early
Strong scent deters carrot flies and other root pests
Aromatic oils deter carrot flies and other flying pests
Help break up soil for carrot root development and provide pest confusion
✗ Keep away from
Can stunt carrot growth when planted too close and may cross-pollinate
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic compounds
Compete for same soil nutrients and space, attract similar pests
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
