When to plant carrots
Short answer
Plant carrots about 3 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Mar 25. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | Jan 1 | Mar 5 |
| Zone 2 | — | Jan 25 | Apr 5 |
| Zone 3 | — | Feb 17 | Apr 28 |
| Zone 4 | — | Mar 9 | May 18 |
| Zone 5 | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 |
| Zone 6 | — | Apr 9 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 7 | — | Apr 24 | Jul 3 |
| Zone 8 | — | May 11 | Jul 20 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Carrots is a semi-hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
Open the planting calendarOther crops
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant carrots?
Sow carrots directly about 3 weeks before your last spring frost — it tolerates cold. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Mar 9; in a colder zone 6, Apr 9.
Can I direct sow carrots?
Yes — carrots is usually sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors.
How long until carrots is ready to harvest?
About 70 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around Apr 9 are typically ready near Jun 18.