When to Plant Fall Carrots: Sow Dates by Zone
Sow fall carrots 8 to 10 weeks before the first frost. August in zones 3 to 6, September in zones 7 to 8. Harvest when shoulders are 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.
Published by ThriveThyme
carrots fall planting harvest
When to Plant Fall Carrots
Sow fall carrots 8 to 10 weeks before your average first frost. Carrots need that long to size, and they sweeten in cold soil. In zones 3 to 5, sow in early to mid August. In zone 6, mid to late August. In zone 7, September. In zone 8, late September to October.
See the carrot plant page. Nantes types are a reliable fall choice because they mature in about 65 to 70 days.
Dates by Zone
- Zones 3 to 5: Early to mid August.
- Zone 6: Mid to late August.
- Zone 7: Early to mid September.
- Zone 8: Late September into October.
- Zones 9 to 10: November through winter in cool stretches.
Sow 1/4 inch deep. Keep the seedbed moist for 10 to 14 days. Thin to 2 inches apart. Loose soil prevents forked roots.
When to Harvest
Pull when the shoulder (the top of the root) is 1/2 to 3/4 inch across, or at the packet's days to maturity. Fall carrots can stay in the ground through light frost. A hard freeze can damage shoulders; mulch if you want to store them in the bed.
Next Steps
Sow this week in zone 6 and colder. Water daily until seedlings appear. Leave spring carrot rows in the ground until you need the space for garlic.