Carrot seeds, Paris Market 4

Paris market Carrot seeds

The Paris market carrot, Daucus carota subsp. sativus most referred to as tonda di parigi, carrot ‘thumbelina’ or Marche de Paris. The plant belongs to species of D. carota family of apiacea and the genus Daucus. This species portrays similar characteristics with Daucus carnosa roth, daucas brevicaulis Raf, daucus allioni link, daucusdentatus Bertol and many more species of D.carota. The plant is also referred by other names such as wild carrot, Queen Anne’s lace and birds’ nest. The origin of this species can be traced back to the western edge of temperate regions of Europe and South East Asia. However, the plant has since widely distributed across the globe, especially in Australia and parts of North America.

Paris market carrots are a fast-growing plant which thrives well in soil containing more clay but sticky fertile soil. Wild carrot takes up to two years to complete its biotic lifecycle. It propagates between 30 cm and 60cm tall characterised by rough hair covered solid stem. Foliage is feather-like arising from all axes of the stem; they divide themselves to form a triangular shape. The leaves later separate in a pinnate pattern to form thin segments. Flowers are small, white and form a flat clustered shape in a heavy short flower stalk. During seed development, the umbel at the edge develops a congested convex set. The fruits are egg-shaped flattened with thorny spines.

The variety can be grown in pots; for best results, fertilizers are applied slightly to enrich the root growth. Regularly watering to prevent root cracks and for better harvest is required. Daucas carota is best sown in colder regions in between September to October, and October to May in sub-tropic areas. Particularly, this carrot seed can be mixed with fine river sand before sowing to eradicate seeds thinness. During propagation, the seeds can take up to 18 days to germinate. The roots mature for harvest 9 to 10 weeks after sowing.
Like any other D. carota the roots are edible. During harvest, proper caution should be taken when collecting D.carota due to its similarities to conium maculatum, which causes phytophotoder matitis. Flowers produce a creamy colour often applied as a dyestuff. Due to its contribution to soil health, the plant is used as a companion to other crops. The foliage of daucus carota should be avoided at all costs, especially wet foliage from direct skin contact as it irritates.