FrostCal

When to Plant Carrots in Kentucky

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 5 – Aug 19.

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
LouisvilleMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 17 – Aug 31
LexingtonMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 5 – Aug 19
Lexington-FayetteMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 5 – Aug 19
MeadsMar 25 – Apr 8Jul 31 – Aug 14
Bowling GreenMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 8 – Aug 22
OwensboroMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 10 – Aug 24
CovingtonMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 2 – Aug 16
RichmondMar 18 – Apr 1Jul 30 – Aug 13
GeorgetownMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 5 – Aug 19
FlorenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 2 – Aug 16
HopkinsvilleMar 7 – Mar 21Aug 10 – Aug 24
NicholasvilleMar 10 – Mar 24Aug 9 – Aug 23
ElizabethtownMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 2 – Aug 16
HendersonMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 3 – Aug 17
FrankfortMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 1 – Aug 15
JeffersontownMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 11 – Aug 25
IndependenceMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 2 – Aug 16
PaducahMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 4 – Aug 18
Valley StationMar 3 – Mar 17Aug 15 – Aug 29
RadcliffMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 2 – Aug 16
AshlandMar 25 – Apr 8Jul 31 – Aug 14
NewburgMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 9 – Aug 23
MadisonvilleMar 5 – Mar 19Aug 9 – Aug 23
MurrayMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 9 – Aug 23
ErlangerMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 2 – Aug 16
WinchesterMar 23 – Apr 6Jul 27 – Aug 10
Fern CreekMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 9 – Aug 23
Saint MatthewsMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 11 – Aug 25
OkolonaMar 9 – Mar 23Aug 9 – Aug 23
DanvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 4 – Aug 18

Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant carrots in Kentucky?

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 5 – Aug 19.

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky

When to plant carrots in other states

Related Guides