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When to Plant Carrots in Polk County, TX

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.

Polk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 264 days.

At an elevation of 292 feet, Polk County receives approximately 63 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Carrots may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Carrots will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Carrots root diseases.

Polk County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
264 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
264 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Polk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.6

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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Polk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline β€” Polk County, TX

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Harvest April 22 Apr 22 – May 27
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 – Sep 28

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–80 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–6.8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

264 days in Polk County

Growing Tips for Polk 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 →

🌾 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 35Β°F, under 50% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Polk County, TX?

Polk County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Polk County, TX?

Polk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 23.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Polk County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Polk County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.