Washington DC · zones 7b–7b
When to plant carrots in Washington DC.
Sow between Feb 26 to Mar 31 in a typical year, keyed to Washington DC's median last frost around Apr 5. A second, fall sowing fits Aug 13 to Sep 8. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Carrots dates for a typical Washington DC season.
Direct sow
Feb 26 to Mar 31
Keyed to the ~Apr 5 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 2" apart.
Fall round
Aug 13 to Sep 8
Counted back from the ~Nov 8 first frost.
Harvest
~68 days later
~0.2 lb per plant over ~2 weeks.
Washington DC spans more than one climate: Zone 7 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7b 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 Washington DC: watch for
The pests that find carrots here.
A middle-length season, about 217 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: Washington DC gives carrots about 217 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 68 days to a first harvest. That fits about 8 re-sown rounds across the season, so you can keep it coming instead of picking once.
Planting carrots in Washington DC: questions
When should I plant carrots in Washington DC?+
In a typical Washington DC year, sow carrots between Feb 26 to Mar 31, keyed to the state's median last frost around Apr 5. There's also a fall window: Aug 13 to Sep 8. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
What USDA zone is Washington DC?+
Washington DC spans zones 7b–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.