When to plant carrot in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 22 · First harvest Jun 26 · Wrap by Aug 7

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowApr 22

First harvestJun 26

Last harvestAug 7

Fall succession sowJul 5

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 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 5 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 22 and first picking around Jun 26.

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 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 5 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full carrot growing guide →