When to plant carrot in zone 9a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Jan 31 · First harvest Apr 6 · Wrap by May 18

Last spring frostFeb 28

Direct sowJan 31

First harvestApr 6

Last harvestMay 18

Fall succession sowSep 14

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 Sep 14 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does carrot take to grow in zone 9a?

Carrot matures in about 65–80 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Jan 31 and first picking around Apr 6.

Will carrot survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — carrot tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

Can I plant a second crop of carrot in zone 9a?

Yes — in zone 9a there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 14 for a second harvest before frost.

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