When to plant carrot in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 12 · First harvest Jun 16 · Wrap by Jul 28

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowApr 12

First harvestJun 16

Last harvestJul 28

Fall succession sowJul 16

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 16 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does carrot take to grow in zone 5a?

Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 12 and first picking around Jun 16.

Will carrot survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 5a?

Yes — in zone 5a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 16 for a second harvest before frost.

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