In zone 5, sow carrots directly in the garden from April 17 to April 24, two to three weeks before your last spring frost. They are ready in about 70–80 days, from around June 26. For a fall crop, the last sowing date is about July 17.
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 timing in zone 5
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Sow outside | April 17 – April 24 |
| First harvest | June 26 – July 13 |
| Sow for fall by | July 17 |
| Thin seedlings | To about 2 inches apart when they are 1 inch tall |
| Sow again | Through early summer for a later harvest |
| Harvest fall carrots | After the first good frost, for the best flavor |
Most of zone 5 sees its last spring frost between May 2 and May 17 (typical May 8) and its first fall frost between September 28 and October 7 (typical October 2). Carrots tolerate light frost, so they can be sown before your last frost date. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your 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.
Best carrot varieties for zone 5
Carrots like cool weather, so zone 5 is good carrot country. Choose the root shape for your soil:
- Nantes types (medium length, blunt tip) such as Scarlet Nantes, Nelson and Bolero mature quickly and are home-garden favorites. Bolero also stores well.
- Chantenay types such as Royal Chantenay are short with broad shoulders, and handle heavy soil.
- Short and round types such as Thumbelina and Atlas are best for shallow, rocky or clay soil and containers.
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.
Zone 5 carrot tips
- Keep the seedbed moist. Carrot seed takes 7–21 days to sprout. Water lightly and often until seedlings are at least an inch tall.
- Avoid crusty soil. A crust after rain can stop seedlings from breaking through. Cover seed with fine soil or compost.
- Water evenly. Irregular watering causes cracked, coarse, strong-tasting roots. Cut back when the carrots are about three-quarters grown.
- Wait for frost in fall. Fall carrots taste best when harvested after a good frost.
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.
Carrot planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the carrots planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant carrots in zone 5 in May?
No. Carrots can be sown through early summer. Sowings made in May grow into fall and taste sweet after the first frost.
Can carrots stay in the ground after frost in zone 5?
Yes, for a while. Carrots tolerate light frost and taste best after one. Dig them before the ground freezes hard.
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.