When to plant carrots
Carrots tolerate frost, so sow outdoors from 3 weeks before to 2 weeks after the last frost; for a fall crop, sow 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
Carrots dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Sow outdoors | Mar 30 – May 4 |
|---|---|
| Sow for fall harvest | Aug 1–15 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Aug 19 |
| Soil temperature | 45°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 60–80 |
| Spacing | thin to 2–3 in apart |
Your carrot year
- Sow outdoors
- Sow for fall harvest
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for carrots
- Keep the seedbed moist until carrots emerge, which can take up to three weeks.
- A light frost in fall sweetens carrots as starches turn to sugar.
- Loose, stone-free soil gives straight roots; in heavy clay grow short varieties.
For a steady harvest, sow every 3 weeks: see the succession planting calculator.
When to plant carrots in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Plant / sow | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Mar 20 – Apr 24 | Aug 13–27 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Jan 4 – Feb 8 | Sep 22 – Oct 6 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Jan 12 – Feb 16 | Oct 2–16 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Dec 15 – Jan 19 | Oct 11–25 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Feb 9 – Mar 16 | Sep 6–20 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Mar 3 – Apr 7 | Aug 16–30 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Feb 20 – Mar 27 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | Apr 9 – May 14 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Aug 17–31 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Apr 2 – May 7 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Mar 14 – Apr 18 | Aug 10–24 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Mar 11 – Apr 15 | Aug 8–22 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Feb 4 – Mar 11 | Sep 8–22 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Mar 10 – Apr 14 | Aug 16–30 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Mar 30 – May 4 | Aug 1–15 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | Aug 11–25 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Mar 31 – May 5 | Aug 8–22 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Mar 7 – Apr 11 | Aug 16–30 |
Carrots planting FAQ
When should I plant carrots?
Carrots tolerate frost, so sow outdoors from 3 weeks before to 2 weeks after the last frost; for a fall crop, sow 10–12 weeks before the first fall frost. Plant when the soil is at least 45°F.
How many days until carrots are ready to harvest?
Most carrot varieties take about 60–80 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can carrots survive frost?
Yes. Carrots tolerate frost and light freezes, which is why they can be planted weeks before the last frost date.
How far apart should I plant carrots?
Space carrots thin to 2–3 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant carrots?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost, allowing a week or two extra because carrots tolerate light frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing carrots
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.