When to plant carrot in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 17 · First harvest Jun 21 · Wrap by Aug 2

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowApr 17

First harvestJun 21

Last harvestAug 2

Fall succession sowJul 15

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 15 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around Apr 17 and first picking around Jun 21.

Will carrot survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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

Yes — in zone 5b there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 15 for a second harvest before frost.

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