When to plant carrot in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Feb 25 · First harvest May 1 · Wrap by Jun 12

Last spring frostMar 25

Direct sowFeb 25

First harvestMay 1

Last harvestJun 12

Fall succession sowAug 25

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 Aug 25 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does carrot take to grow in zone 8a?

Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 8a that means sowing around Feb 25 and first picking around May 1.

Will carrot survive frost in zone 8a?

Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 8a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 8a?

Yes — in zone 8a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 25 for a second harvest before frost.

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