When to plant carrots in Mississippi
Mississippi’s average last spring frost is March 20, and the first fall frost typically arrives around November 5 — about 230 frost-free days (USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a). Carrot needs 60–80 days to mature, which fits comfortably within Mississippi's growing season.
When to plant carrots in Mississippi: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Feb 22 – Mar 13. Seeds germinate in soil from 40 to 85°F.
Succession sow again in Mississippi: Mar 17 · Apr 4 · Apr 22
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 Mississippi, 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 (Feb 22 – Mar 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 Mississippi.
- 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 Apr 28 – May 18). 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 Mississippi’s average frost dates. More in the full carrot growing guide.
Carrot planting dates by USDA zone in Mississippi
Mississippi spans USDA zones 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. 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.
When to plant carrots in nearby states
Questions gardeners in Mississippi ask
When is the best time to plant carrots in Mississippi?
Sow carrots in Mississippi between February 22 and March 13. That timing is set by Mississippi's average last spring frost of March 20.
Can I plant carrots in the fall in Mississippi?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between August 10 and August 27, so the crop matures in cool weather before Mississippi's first frost around November 5.
When will carrots planted in Mississippi be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, carrots are usually ready from about April 28 to May 18, 60-80 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in Mississippi?
On average around March 20, with the first fall frost around November 5 - about 230 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.