When to Plant Carrots in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 25 – Aug 8.
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
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cedar Rapids | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Davenport | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Sioux City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Iowa City | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Waterloo | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Ames | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| West Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Council Bluffs | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Dubuque | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Ankeny | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| Urbandale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cedar Falls | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Marion | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Bettendorf | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Marshalltown | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Mason City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Clinton | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Burlington | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Fort Dodge | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Ottumwa | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Muscatine | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Johnston | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Coralville | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Waukee | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Altoona | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Jul 23 – Aug 6 |
| North Liberty | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| Indianola | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Clive | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Newton | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant carrots in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 25 – Aug 8.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant carrots in other states