Rainline Garden

When to plant carrots in Olympia, WA

Plant carrots from seed, directly in the garden in Olympia, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 22 – Aug 5.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Olympia's typical last spring frost is April 29. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

Difficulty
Moderate
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
Thin to 2 inches apart
Planting depth
¼ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 70 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, ¼ inch deep, Thin to 2 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Jul 22 – Aug 5 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Pull when the shoulders are about ¾ inch across. Fall carrots sweeten after a light frost.

Varieties that do well here

  • Scarlet Nantes
  • Bolero
  • Danvers

Watch out for

Carrot rust fly larvae tunnel through roots. Cover the bed with insect netting from sowing on.

Keep the seedbed moist until they sprout, which can take two to three weeks in cool soil.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Olympia, WA?

Typically April 29. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Olympia Airport.

Is it too late to plant carrots in Olympia?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 22 to August 5.

How long until I can harvest carrots?

About 70 days after planting. Pull when the shoulders are about ¾ inch across. Fall carrots sweeten after a light frost.

Also plant in Olympia around the same time

Planting dates for carrots in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Olympia · Carrots in every city