When to Plant and Harvest Carrot
Sweet, crunchy root vegetable rich in nutrients
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.0. Lime if a soil test reads below 5.5. Keep it within 5.5 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 32 to 40F and 95 to 100% humidity. Keeps 3 to 6 months. Cure: No curing. Cut off the tops. Do not store carrots with apples or pears. Ethylene makes them bitter. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Garden salad, Roasted root vegetables, Coleslaw, Butternut squash soup. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA notes the taproot is the common garden carrot and is edible. The plant contains psoralens that can irritate skin. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Sweet, earthy root flavor.
Variety notes: General carrot guidance; thin seedlings early for straight roots.
Best Time and Place to Plant Carrot
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Carrot in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 10 to June 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | April 25 to June 15 | July 20 to August 10 |
| Zone 3 | April 15 to June 10 | July 25 to August 20 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to June 1 | August 1 to September 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 25 | August 10 to September 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 20 | August 15 to September 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 15 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to May 1 | September 1 to October 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 20 | September 15 to November 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to April 10 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 3 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Low-nitrogen 5-10-10 synthetic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Wood Ash organic: 5 lbs per 100 sq ft for potassium
- Bone Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft for phosphorus
Companion Plants
- Onions
- Leeks
- Rosemary
- Sage
Avoid Planting Near
- Dill
- Parsnips
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Shoulder (top) is 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter
- Bright orange color visible at soil line
- Leafy tops are full and vibrant green
- Pull one test carrot to check size and flavor
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- Nantes Carrot: Blunt, sweet carrot that performs well in heavier soil.
FAQs
When should I plant Carrot?
Carrot planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Carrot?
The best time of year to plant Carrot is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Carrot?
Plant Carrot in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 85F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Carrot?
Plant Carrot about 3 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Carrot?
Carrot is commonly paired with Onions, Leeks, Rosemary, Sage.
How long does Carrot take to grow?
Carrot is typically ready to harvest in about 70 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Carrot?
Harvest Carrot when shoulder (top) is 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter. Bright orange color visible at soil line Leafy tops are full and vibrant green