When to Plant Carrots in Alabama
Published: April 21, 2026
Alabama gardeners in Zone 7b have a 38-week growing season for carrot (March 1 to November 22). Alabama's spring and fall windows both work well for carrot — some gardeners plant both successions for a long harvest. This guide gives exact dates for Alabama based on your local frost calendar.
Carrot Planting Dates for Alabama
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 1 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 1–11 |
| Expect first harvest | April 12 – April 22 |
| Fall crop start | September 13–23 |
| Fall harvest | November 22 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 22 |
Dates above assume Zone 7b, the most common zone in Alabama. Gardeners in cooler Birmingham (Zone 7b) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Montgomery (Zone 8a) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
Growing Carrots in Alabama's Climate
Alabama's moderate Zone 7b climate is well-suited to carrot with minimal special accommodation. The standard transplant calendar works as written, and harvest windows line up with what seed packets recommend without adjustment.
Succession planting extends your carrot harvest significantly in Alabama. A second planting 3 to 4 weeks after the first gives you a backup in case of pest pressure and extends the total harvest window into early fall.
Common carrot pests to watch for in Alabama include Carrot Fly and Wireworm. The first line of defense is companion planting: Tomato and Onion planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Carrot Garden Calendar for Alabama
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | Dormant season |
| February | Direct sow seeds | Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, 3 inches apart |
| March | — | Dormant season |
| April | First harvest window opens | Carrot begins producing 70–80 days after transplant |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Dormant season |
| July | — | Dormant season |
| August | — | Dormant season |
| September | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| October | — | Dormant season |
| November | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining carrot; cover plants on frost nights |
| December | — | Dormant season |
Carrot Growing Tips for Alabama Gardeners
- •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.
- •Alabama's moderate climate supports succession planting — sow new transplants or seeds every 3 weeks during spring to extend the harvest window into fall.
- •Thin to 3-inch spacing aggressively — crowded carrots fork and grow stunted.
Companion Planting for Carrots in Alabama
In Alabama's moderate climate, planting carrot with Tomato and Onion helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Dill and Parsnip, which inhibit carrot growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full carrot companion planting guide for the complete list.
Carrots Planting Dates by City in Alabama
Top cities in Alabama — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant carrot in Alabama?
In Alabama (Zone 7b), start carrot seeds indoors around Year-round and transplant outdoors around null — 0 weeks after the state's average last frost of March 1.
What is the last frost date in Alabama?
Alabama's average last frost date is March 1 in the state's most common Zone 7b. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow carrot year-round in Alabama?
carrot is a cool-season crop in Alabama, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What carrot varieties grow best in Alabama?
For Alabama's Zone 7b, Danvers, Nantes, and Scarlet Nantes are universal reliable choices.
When do I start carrot seeds indoors in Alabama?
Carrot does not need indoor starting in Alabama — direct sow around February 1–11 once soil reaches 45°F. Indoor starting is not recommended for this crop because carrot transplants poorly.