Root Vegetable

When to Plant Carrots in Florida

Patience is the secret ingredient. Carrots are slow to germinate but deliver sweet, crunchy rewards.

The Short Answer

Florida grows carrots during the cool season, and the state's mild winter temperatures produce sweet, tender roots. The sandy soils that challenge other crops are actually an advantage for carrots — they provide the loose, deep growing medium that carrots need for straight root development.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Carrots Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
10 wks before first frost

Growing Carrots in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: sow October through January. Central Florida: November through January. South Florida: November through December. Florida's sandy soils grow excellent carrots — they're loose and deep with perfect drainage. The downside is nutrient leaching — fertilize regularly with a balanced formula. Keep soil consistently moist during the 10-21 day germination period. Harvest when tops are finger-width.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Nantes types thrive in Florida's sandy soils. Danvers for a more traditional shape. Baby carrots for quick harvest. UF/IFAS recommends specific varieties tested in Florida conditions.

Common Challenges in Florida

Nematodes in sandy soils — rotate locations annually. Aster yellows. Excessive heat ends the season — don't attempt summer carrots in Florida. Rapid drainage means frequent, light irrigation during germination.

Growing Tips

Loose, sandy soil is ideal. Rocky or clay soil causes forked roots. Keep soil consistently moist until seeds germinate.

Companion Planting

Plant carrots alongside these companions for better growth:

Peas Lettuce Tomatoes Onions

Keep carrots away from:

Dill

The Bottom Line

Carrots can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Carrots Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Carrots in Alabama Alabama planting dates Carrots in Alaska Alaska planting dates Carrots in Arizona Arizona planting dates Carrots in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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