When to plant carrots in Seattle and Tacoma, WA

Plant carrots from seed, directly in the garden in Seattle and Tacoma, Mar 15 – May 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Seattle and Tacoma's typical last spring frost is March 2. In the west-side valleys, the soil is usually ready for carrots around March 15.

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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Mar 15 – May 10, ¼ inch deep, Thin to 2 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Jul 23 – Aug 6 for a fall harvest.
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 Seattle and Tacoma, WA?

Typically March 2. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by March 23. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Is it too late to plant carrots in Seattle and Tacoma?

The spring planting window runs through May 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 23 to August 6.

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.