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When to Plant Carrot in Massachusetts

🌱

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, February 27, 2026

State

Massachusetts

USDA Zones

6a, 6b, 7a

Avg Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

Cities Covered

27

Massachusetts Planting Schedule by Zone

Massachusetts spans 3 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.

Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
6a Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, March 9, 2026
6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026

Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.

🌿 About Carrot

Scientific Name Daucus carota
Days to Maturity 70 days
Plant Type Root
Sun Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Regular (1 inch/week)
Spacing 3" apart

🤝 Companion Plants for Carrot

Good Companions

OnionLeekLettuceTomatoRosemary

Avoid Planting Near

DillCelery
See the full companion planting guide for Carrot →

Growing Carrot in Massachusetts: Complete Guide

Carrot (Daucus carota) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Massachusetts, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, February 27, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Massachusetts stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 70 days to maturity, Carrot fits comfortably within Massachusetts's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Carrot requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1 inch/week) moisture. In the Northeast, cool summers and moderate humidity can slow warm-season crops, so choose a sheltered, south-facing spot to maximise heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Massachusetts.

Growing Carrot in Massachusetts: Local Tips

Climate-specific advice for Massachusetts gardeners.

Sow as early as soil can be worked

Carrots germinate in soil as cold as 40°F (slowly); sowing in late March–April in Zone 5–6 gives you a June harvest before heat causes bolting and cracking.

Fall carrots are sweeter

A late July–August sowing matures in cool fall weather and benefits from frost, which converts starches to sugar; many Northeastern gardeners prefer their fall carrots over spring ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrot in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, direct sow Carrot outdoors around Friday, February 27, 2026. Massachusetts spans zones 6a–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.

What is the last frost date in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts spans 3 USDA zones (6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Andover (6a) sees frost until around Monday, April 20, 2026, while Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge (7a) is frost-free much earlier.

How long does Carrot take to grow in Massachusetts?

Carrot takes about 70 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Massachusetts's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.

What USDA zones does Massachusetts cover for Carrot?

Massachusetts includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Carrot grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.

When to Plant Carrot by City in Massachusetts

Dates are based on each city's USDA zone and average last frost.

City Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
Allston 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Andover 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Boston 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Braintree 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Brighton 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Cambridge 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Charlestown 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Chelsea 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Everett 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Hyde Park 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Jamaica Plain 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Malden 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Mattapan 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Medford 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Melrose 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Milton 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Milton Village 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Quincy 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Readville 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Revere 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Roslindale 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Somerville 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026
Stoneham 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
West Medford 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
West Roxbury 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Weymouth 6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Winthrop 7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026

Other Plants for Massachusetts

When to Plant Carrot in Other States