Round Carrot
Tonda Di Parigi is a distinctive round carrot that brings something genuinely different to the garden, instead of the long, tapered roots most of us expect, this Italian heirloom produces compact, globe-shaped roots ready to harvest in just 65 days. Its unique form and relatively quick maturity make it a smart choice for gardeners working with limited space or shallow soil, while its name hints at a Parisian or European connection worth exploring. This is the kind of variety that makes you rethink what a carrot can be.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Biennial
Moderate
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What sets Tonda Di Parigi apart is its round, almost radish-like shape, a departure from conventional carrot geometry that opens up new growing possibilities. This variety thrives in full sun with minimal spacing requirements, needing just 1 inch between plants in rows spaced 6 inches apart. It germinates at a cool 45°F and reaches harvest size in roughly two months, making it perfect for succession planting throughout the season. The compact root form suggests this carrot was developed to solve real problems: poor soil conditions, container growing, or simply a preference for something that looks and grows a little differently.
As with most carrots, Tonda Di Parigi is grown for its edible roots, which can be eaten raw, cooked, or preserved. The round form makes it particularly suited to whole roasting or braising, where its compact size allows for even cooking and elegant presentation on the plate.
Start inside is not recommended for Tonda Di Parigi — root disturbance during transplanting stunts growth. Direct sowing outdoors is the preferred method for this variety.
Sow directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature reaches at least 45°F. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. For continuous harvests, make successive sowings every 3 weeks until 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In warm climates, shift your planting to fall, winter, and spring for best results.
Tonda Di Parigi carrots are ready to harvest approximately 65 days after sowing. Pull them when the roots reach mature size, the round form makes them easy to judge at a glance. You can harvest younger for tender, smaller roots, or wait for full size depending on your preference. The compact roots slip from the soil easily, especially if you loosen the soil around them first.
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