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When to Plant Carrots in Malheur County, OR

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.

Malheur County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.

At an elevation of 2,676 feet, Malheur County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, 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.

Malheur County, OR (Zone 6b) Short season
134 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
134 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Malheur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Carrots Planting Timeline — Malheur County, OR

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 – May 25
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Aug 10
Fall Sowing July 21 Jul 21 – Aug 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

134 days in Malheur County

Growing Tips for Malheur 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 Malheur County, OR?

Malheur County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Malheur County, OR?

Malheur County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 29.

🌱

Your Malheur County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Malheur County (Zone 6b). 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 Malheur County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

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