Growing carrots: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant carrots in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Carrots: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 45–75°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): seed March 27 – April 17; fall planting July 9 – July 30. First picking around June 12 – July 10.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): seed March 11 – April 1; fall planting July 23 – August 13. First picking around May 27 – June 24.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): seed February 15 – March 8; fall planting August 16 – September 6. First picking around May 3 – May 31.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): seed January 28 – February 18; fall planting September 1 – September 22. First picking around April 15 – May 13.
Setting it up
Direct-seed in the field. Space plants 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, about 0.25 inch deep. Expect roughly 70 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Keep soil surface moist until germination (2–3 weeks). Board over the row or light straw helps hold moisture.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: excellent — Carrots is well suited to Zone 6b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Carrots is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Carrots is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.