Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 frost-free days. Carrot tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 28 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does carrot take to grow in zone 4a?
Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 9 and first picking around Jun 13.
Will carrot survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).
Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 4a?
Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 28 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full carrot growing guide →