When to Plant Carrots
Published: April 21, 2026
Carrots must be direct-sown — they cannot be transplanted without forking the root. Loose, rock-free soil at least 12 inches deep is essential for straight roots.
When to plant carrot
- Direct sow outdoors: 4 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 45°F
- Days to harvest: 70–80 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun
- Spacing: 3 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 10 weeks before first fall frost
Growing Tips for Carrots
- •Direct sow ONLY — transplanting carrots causes forked, misshapen roots every time.
- •Soil must be loose and rock-free to at least 12 inches deep; raised beds are ideal.
- •Thin to 3-inch spacing aggressively — crowded carrots fork and grow stunted.
- •Light frost improves carrot sweetness — cold converts starches to sugar; fall carrots taste better than spring.
Companion Planting for Carrots
✅ Plant carrot with
- • Tomato
- • Onion
- • Leek
- • Rosemary
- • Chive
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Dill
- • Parsnip
- • Anise
Common Carrot Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Carrots Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant carrots?
Direct sow carrot seeds 4 weeks before your last frost date — carrots tolerate cold soil (45°F) and are best planted early. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep consistently moist until germination (10–21 days).
Why can't I transplant carrots?
Carrot seeds develop a taproot immediately after germination. Any disturbance to this root causes it to fork into multiple branches or twist unpredictably. Always sow carrots where they will grow to maturity — they cannot be moved.
Why are my carrots forked or misshapen?
Forking is caused by rocks, hard clumps, or compacted soil in the path of the taproot. The root splits to grow around the obstacle. Prepare soil to 12 inches deep, remove all rocks and clumps, and use raised beds with loose soil for reliably straight carrots.
When do I harvest carrots?
Most varieties are ready in 70–80 days from sowing. Check by gently uncovering the shoulder of one carrot — it should be at least 3/4 inch in diameter. Carrots can stay in the ground well past maturity in cool weather; cold storage in soil is actually ideal.
What grows well with carrots?
Onions, leeks, and chives planted nearby deter carrot fly. Rosemary repels carrot fly as well. Tomatoes are classic carrot companions — tomatoes repel carrot fly while carrots aerate the soil near tomato roots. Avoid dill which stunts carrot growth.