Carrots are sown directly in the garden two to three weeks before your last spring frost, and again in summer for a fall crop. Find your zone below, or enter your ZIP code for dates based on the weather station closest to you.
Carrot dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Carrot planting dates by zone
| USDA zone | When to plant |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Zone 4 | April 25 – May 2 |
| Zone 5 | April 17 – April 24 |
| Zone 6 | April 10 – April 17 |
| Zone 7 | March 27 – April 3 |
| Zone 8 | March 10 – March 17 |
| Zone 9 | February 10 – February 17 |
Not sure of your zone? Look it up by ZIP code.
Why carrots are sown before the last frost
Carrots are a cool-season root crop. They tolerate light frost and grow best in mild weather, and their seed sprouts at soil temperatures as low as about 45 °F. That is why they are sown directly in the garden two to three weeks before the last spring frost, and again in summer for a fall harvest.
How to plant carrots
- Loosen the soil deeply and remove stones, so roots can grow straight. Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil.
- Sow seed directly in the garden, about ¼ inch deep, covered with fine soil. Carrots don’t transplant.
- Keep the soil moist until seedlings are an inch tall; germination takes 7–21 days.
- Thin to about 2 inches apart when seedlings are an inch tall.
- Water evenly throughout the season.
Harvesting carrots
Most carrots are ready 60–80 days after sowing, when the tops of the roots push up out of the soil and show rich color. For the best flavor and texture, pick them no more than 1–1½ inches across. Fall carrots taste best after a good frost. Cut off the green tops and store the roots in the refrigerator, where they keep for months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant carrots before the last frost?
Yes. Carrots tolerate light frost, so they are sown two to three weeks before your last spring frost.
How long do carrot seeds take to sprout?
From 7 to 21 days. Keep the soil surface moist the whole time, until seedlings are at least an inch tall.
How far apart should carrots be?
Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart. Crowded carrots stay small and twist around each other.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.