When to plant carrot in zone 6a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Apr 2 · First harvest Jun 6 · Wrap by Jul 18

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowApr 2

First harvestJun 6

Last harvestJul 18

Fall succession sowJul 25

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 25 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does carrot take to grow in zone 6a?

Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 2 and first picking around Jun 6.

Will carrot survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 6a?

Yes — in zone 6a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 25 for a second harvest before frost.

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