When to plant carrots in California
California spans USDA hardiness zones 5a-11. Average last spring frost: varies by region. This calendar gives you the indoor start, transplant, and direct-sow dates for Daucus carota.
California planting dates for carrots
Dates for California vary significantly by region. Use the average frost date lookup for your specific ZIP code, then apply the standard offsets: direct sow 3 weeks before last frost.
Why these dates
Carrots are slow to germinate (14-21 days) and need loose, rock-free soil at least 8 inches deep. Avoid fresh manure - it causes forking.
The dates above are anchored to California's average last spring frost date (which varies by region within the state), with offsets standard across university Extension publications. For zone-specific local timing, use the frost date lookup tool with your ZIP code.
More on growing carrots
The full growing guide for carrots - varieties, soil, fertilization, pests, harvest, storage - is here: Carrots growing guide.
More California planting information
- Full California planting calendar (all crops + ornamentals)
- Find your exact USDA zone by ZIP
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seed starting timeline calculator