UK compost
What compost for 'paris market' carrot in the UK?
Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Paris Market'
More about 'paris market' carrot in the UK
Which compost 'paris market' carrot needs
For 'paris market' carrot the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Its short round root means it succeeds in heavier, shallower, or stonier ground where long carrots fork. Still grows best in friable, stone-free, unmanured soil; loosen the top 15 cm well.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows 'paris market' carrot perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
'Paris Market' Carrot is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the 'paris market' carrot soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for 'Paris Market' Carrot in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for 'paris market' carrot in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Its short round root means it succeeds in heavier, shallower, or stonier ground where long carrots fork. Still grows best in friable, stone-free, unmanured soil; loosen the top 15 cm well. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for 'paris market' carrot?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for 'paris market' carrot. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow 'paris market' carrot perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does 'paris market' carrot need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does 'paris market' carrot need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Loose loam, but tolerant of heavier or shallow soil, pH 6.0-6.8. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More 'paris market' carrot care
See the full 'paris market' carrot care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.