Maryland · zones 6b–7b
When to plant carrots in Maryland.
Sow between Mar 1 to Apr 3 in a typical year, keyed to Maryland's median last frost around Apr 8. A second, fall sowing fits Aug 9 to Sep 4. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Carrots dates for a typical Maryland season.
Direct sow
Mar 1 to Apr 3
Keyed to the ~Apr 8 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 2" apart.
Fall round
Aug 9 to Sep 4
Counted back from the ~Nov 4 first frost.
Harvest
~68 days later
~0.2 lb per plant over ~2 weeks.
Maryland spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 6b to 7b. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone: mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.
In Maryland: watch for
The pests that find carrots here.
A middle-length season, about 210 frost-free days, means carrot overlaps carrot rust fly for a stretch each summer. Check plants every week or two and treat early.
Rusty tunnels in the roots and stunted tops.
Organic fix: Cover the row; rotate away from last year's carrots.
Big green-and-black striped caterpillars on the foliage.
Organic fix: Handpick (or leave for swallowtails); Bt if heavy.
Brown spots ringed in yellow on the oldest leaves first, darkening until the tops look scorched.
Organic fix: Water at the base rather than overhead, turn under old carrot tops, and leave 2 years between carrot crops.
Your season math: Maryland gives carrots about 210 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 68 days to a first harvest. That fits about 7 re-sown rounds across the season, so you can keep it coming instead of picking once.
Planting carrots in Maryland: questions
When should I plant carrots in Maryland?+
In a typical Maryland year, sow carrots between Mar 1 to Apr 3, keyed to the state's median last frost around Apr 8. There's also a fall window: Aug 9 to Sep 4. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
What USDA zone is Maryland?+
Maryland spans zones 6b–7b, mostly zone 7. But frost dates, not zones, set planting time. The free planner uses your ZIP code's actual frost dates.
How many carrots plants do I need?+
Depends who you're feeding. The crop page has exact counts per household size, or the free planner does the math for your family in about 60 seconds.