When to plant carrots in California
California’s average last spring frost is February 20, and the first fall frost typically arrives around December 1 — about 284 frost-free days (USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b). Carrot needs 60–80 days to mature, which fits comfortably within California's growing season.
California covers a wide range of climates, so your exact frost dates may differ from the state average by two weeks or more. For dates tuned to your town, use the calendar generator.
When to plant carrots in California: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Jan 25 – Feb 13. Seeds germinate in soil from 40 to 85°F.
Succession sow again in California: Feb 17 · Mar 7 · Mar 25
Spring succession stops before summer heat makes it bolt. Start sowing again in late summer for a fall crop (see the fall window above).
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow carrots in California, step by step
- Prepare the bed. They need six or more hours of sun for the best growth, though four to six hours in partial shade is enough and loose soil at least 12 inches deep, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Sow outdoors (Jan 25 – Feb 13). Space plants about 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, sowing seed ¼ inch deep. It handles frost well, so it can go out before the last frost date. As a cool-season crop it does best before summer heat arrives in California.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: carrot rust fly, wireworm, root-knot nematode, aphids. Diseases and disorders: alternaria leaf blight, cavity spot, aster yellows.
- Harvest (from about Mar 31 – Apr 20). Carrot takes 60-80 days to reach harvest. Never transplant. Keep the surface constantly moist for the slow 2-3 week germination - a board or burlap over the row helps. Needs loose, stone-free soil or roots fork.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use California’s average frost dates. More in the full carrot growing guide.
Carrot planting dates by USDA zone in California
California spans USDA zones 5a, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 10b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average, so the carrot dates shift with them.
| Zone | Last frost | First frost | Season | Start indoors | Plant carrot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5 | Apr 30 | Oct 5 | 160 days | - | Apr 4 – Apr 23 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 15 | Oct 15 | 185 days | - | Mar 20 – Apr 8 |
| Zone 7 | Apr 5 | Oct 25 | 200 days | - | Mar 10 – Mar 29 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 20 | Nov 5 | 230 days | - | Feb 22 – Mar 13 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 20 | Nov 30 | 280 days | - | Jan 25 – Feb 13 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 30 | Dec 15 | 330 days | - | Jan 4 – Jan 23 |
Questions gardeners in California ask
When is the best time to plant carrots in California?
Sow carrots in California between January 25 and February 13. That timing is set by California's average last spring frost of February 20; California spans several climates, so cooler and higher parts of the state run later.
Can I plant carrots in the fall in California?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between September 5 and September 22, so the crop matures in cool weather before California's first frost around December 1.
When will carrots planted in California be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, carrots are usually ready from about March 31 to April 20, 60-80 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in California?
On average around February 20, with the first fall frost around December 1 - about 284 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.