I absolutely adore carrots and enjoy eating them any time of the day. The truth is, they are far more beloved than the internet often gives them credit for.
If you’re having some confusion regarding the ideal planting time for carrots, you’ve come to the right place for help!
In this article, I’ll be guiding you on the best time to plant carrots according to your zone or state. Keep reading because you’ll definitely find the answers you’re looking for here!
When Is The Best Time To Plant Carrots?
First and foremost, let’s establish that carrots absolutely do not grow well in hot weather and higher temperature extremes.
They’re a cool-season vegetable that prefers either moderate or chilly temperatures for germination and optimal growth underground. This makes transitional seasons like spring and fall the perfect time to plant carrots into the ground.
Best Time To Plant Carrots By State/Zone
Virginia (Zone 6-8)
In Virginia, you want to be sowing your carrot seeds around early April, 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost. Lower soil temperatures are preferable (ideally between 39ºF to 48ºF) but seed germination will take some time.
Oregon (Zones 7–9)
For most areas and regions of Oregon, you can sow your carrot seeds a little earlier, perhaps 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Generally, early March would offer the ideal temperature for supporting carrot growth.
Texas (Zones 6–9)
To avoid getting the carrots damaged at the hands of Texas heat, plant them around early spring or fall. Because Texas offers hotter summer temperatures, you don’t want to be planting too late in spring or else the heat can stunt carrot growth and spoil it.
Georgia (Zones 7–9)
Due to carrots being a cool-weather vegetable, Georgia’s fall and spring offer the ideal growing temperatures for it. For most growers in this state, planting anywhere between early February and late March can get the carrots growing pretty well.
Missouri (Zones 5–7)
In Missouri, the best time to plant carrots is around mid-spring, ideally 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. If you want a cool weather harvest, however, aim to plant near the end of summer, so that your carrots grow throughout the cool fall season.
Michigan (Zones 4–6)
Aim to plant carrots in early May, about 3-6 weeks before the last frost date for your particular region in Michigan. Check the soil temperature and plant as soon as it reaches between 37ºF to 41°F. Don’t wait too long to plant or else the heat can come around and damage young seedlings.
Tips For Success When Planting Carrots
Final Words
Sitting in my house and writing this article, I can only research and provide approximate ideal planting times.
However, the best planting time for carrots, or quite literally anything for that matter, ultimately depends on your area’s specific conditions, especially its temperature offerings.
Unfortunately for you, you’ll also need to use your own judgment and sensible thinking when making the decision.
