FrostCal

When to Plant Carrots in California

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 25 – Oct 9. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 60–80 days

Direct sow only (does not transplant); sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked.

Carrots Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 2 – Oct 16
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 17 – Dec 31Sep 21 – Oct 5
SacramentoDec 15 – Dec 29Sep 23 – Oct 7
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldJan 3 – Jan 17Sep 15 – Sep 29
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideDec 12 – Dec 26Oct 2 – Oct 16
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonJan 8 – Jan 22Sep 15 – Sep 29
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontDec 10 – Dec 24Sep 29 – Oct 13
San BernardinoDec 30 – Jan 13Sep 26 – Oct 10
FontanaDec 13 – Dec 27Oct 10 – Oct 24
ModestoJan 3 – Jan 17Sep 12 – Sep 26
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 30 – Jan 13Sep 26 – Oct 10
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleDec 5 – Dec 19Oct 3 – Oct 17
Santa ClaritaDec 11 – Dec 25Oct 9 – Oct 23
Santa RosaJan 28 – Feb 11Sep 8 – Sep 22
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaDec 7 – Dec 21Oct 7 – Oct 21
OntarioDec 7 – Dec 21Oct 7 – Oct 21
Elk GroveJan 5 – Jan 19Sep 9 – Sep 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant carrots in California?

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 25 – Oct 9. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do carrots take to grow?

Carrots typically take 60–80 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow only (does not transplant); sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked.

Other Crops in California

When to plant carrots in other states

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