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When to plant Carrots in Manatee County, FL

In Zone 10a (Manatee County), direct-sow Carrots between January 7 and January 28 for spring, after the January 28 last-frost mark. A second sowing from October 25 to November 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Carrots in Manatee County, FL

Carrots

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.

Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 326 days.

At an elevation of 237 feet, Manatee County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Carrots may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.

Manatee County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
326 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
326 growing days
First Fall Frost December 20

Manatee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.9

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 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Manatee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline — Manatee County, FL

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 28
Harvest March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 15
Fall Sowing October 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

326 days in Manatee County

Growing Tips for Manatee 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 35°F, under 50% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Manatee County, FL?

Manatee County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Manatee County, FL?

Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 20.

When should I plant Carrots in Manatee County, FL?

In Manatee County, FL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Manatee County, FL for Carrots?

Manatee County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Carrots grow in Manatee County's climate?

Yes — Carrots grows well in Manatee County's temperate climate. Manatee County averages a 327-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 20.

🌱

Your Manatee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Manatee County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.