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When to Plant Carrots in Archuleta County, CO

Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.

Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 96 days.

At an elevation of 5,346 feet, Archuleta County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Carrots successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Archuleta County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
96 days
Last Spring Frost June 13
96 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Archuleta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots

Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Carrots Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.3" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.3" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 0.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Archuleta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline โ€” Archuleta County, CO

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jun 20
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Sep 5
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Jul 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“6.8 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

96 days in Archuleta County

Growing Tips for Archuleta County

Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Dill
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Carrots Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd year flowers. Harvest umbels when brown.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial โ€” requires two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Archuleta County, CO?

Archuleta County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Archuleta County, CO?

Archuleta County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Archuleta County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Archuleta County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.