FrostCal

When to Plant Carrots in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 30 – Aug 13.

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
ChicagoMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 13 – Aug 27
AuroraMar 22 – Apr 5Jul 31 – Aug 14
RockfordMar 27 – Apr 10Jul 25 – Aug 8
JolietMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 2 – Aug 16
NapervilleMar 31 – Apr 14Jul 24 – Aug 7
PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Jul 31 – Aug 14
SpringfieldMar 18 – Apr 1Jul 30 – Aug 13
North PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Jul 31 – Aug 14
ElginMar 29 – Apr 12Jul 26 – Aug 9
WaukeganApr 2 – Apr 16Jul 27 – Aug 10
ChampaignMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 1 – Aug 15
CiceroMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 8 – Aug 22
BloomingtonMar 24 – Apr 7Jul 28 – Aug 11
Arlington HeightsMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 3 – Aug 17
EvanstonMar 29 – Apr 12Jul 29 – Aug 12
SchaumburgApr 2 – Apr 16Jul 21 – Aug 4
BolingbrookMar 23 – Apr 6Jul 30 – Aug 13
DecaturMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 1 – Aug 15
PalatineMar 28 – Apr 11Jul 27 – Aug 10
SkokieMar 29 – Apr 12Jul 29 – Aug 12
Des PlainesMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 5 – Aug 19
Orland ParkMar 22 – Apr 5Jul 30 – Aug 13
Tinley ParkMar 26 – Apr 9Jul 28 – Aug 11
Oak LawnMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 9 – Aug 23
BerwynMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 8 – Aug 22
Mount ProspectMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 3 – Aug 17
NormalMar 28 – Apr 11Jul 24 – Aug 7
WheatonMar 31 – Apr 14Jul 24 – Aug 7
Oak ParkMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 8 – Aug 22
Hoffman EstatesApr 2 – Apr 16Jul 21 – Aug 4

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant carrots in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 30 – Aug 13.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois

When to plant carrots in other states

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