Planting Guides

When to Plant Carrots in Boston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 6b

Boston, Massachusetts

USDA Zone 6b

Last Frost: Apr 20

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Plant carrots in Boston April 1-May 15 for summer harvest, July 15-August 15 for fall storage. Zone 6b's 183-day season supports both spring and fall crops perfectly.

KKevin Doyle

October 30, 2025

Fresh Nantes carrots harvested in Boston Zone 6b garden showing ideal fall crop results — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant carrots in Boston April 1-May 15 for summer harvest, July 15-August 15 for fall storage. Zone 6b supports excellent spring and fall crops.

TL;DR

Boston gardeners can grow excellent carrots with two distinct seasons: spring planting (April 1-May 15) for July harvest and fall planting (July 15-August 15) for October-November harvest. Zone 6b's 183-day season supports both Nantes varieties for fresh eating and Danvers types for winter storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant carrots in Boston?

Plant spring carrots April 1-May 15 for July harvest, and fall carrots July 15-August 15 for October-November harvest. Boston's Zone 6b climate supports excellent spring and fall crops, with fall carrots becoming sweeter after frost.

What carrot varieties grow best in Boston's Zone 6b climate?

Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes' and Daucus carota 'Bolero' excel for fresh eating, while Daucus carota 'Danvers 126' is perfect for winter storage. For heavy clay soils common in Boston, choose {Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Core' varieties that can push through compacted conditions.

How do I prevent carrot rust fly damage in Boston?

Install floating row covers immediately after planting and keep them sealed until harvest. This provides 100% protection against Boston's carrot rust fly populations. Alternatively, interplant with onions to mask the carrot scent that attracts egg-laying females.

Can I grow carrots year-round in Boston?

No, Boston's Zone 6b climate limits carrots to spring (April-July) and fall (August-November) seasons. Summer heat above 80°F (27°C) causes bitter, woody roots. However, you can overwinter fall-planted carrots with heavy mulch for fresh harvest through winter.

Why do my Boston carrots keep forking and splitting?

Boston's glacial soils contain stones and hardpan layers that cause carrot roots to fork when they encounter obstacles. Double-dig beds to 12 inches, remove all stones larger than golf balls, and choose varieties like Daucus carota 'Chantenay' for challenging clay conditions.

How deep should I plant carrot seeds in Boston?

Plant carrot seeds ¼ inch deep in Boston's clay-loam soils. Deeper planting in heavy soil prevents emergence, while shallow planting leads to poor germination. Use the board method during Boston's variable spring weather to maintain consistent soil moisture for 14-21 days.

When should I harvest fall carrots in Boston for maximum sweetness?

Harvest fall carrots after several hard frosts, typically mid-October through November in Boston. Soil temperatures below 40°F (4°C) trigger starch-to-sugar conversion, making frost-kissed carrots incredibly sweet. Harvest before ground freezes solid in late November.

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Tagged with

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Written By

Kevin Doyle

Kevin is a landscape contractor in the Boston area who specializes in cold-climate perennial gardens and hardscaping. He studied landscape design and worked at a prominent nursery on the North Shore before starting his own design-build firm. Kevin's gardens are built to handle New England weather—freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easters, late springs, and heavy snow loads. He's particularly interested in native perennials and shrubs that provide four-season interest without constant maintenance. Kevin writes about cold-hardy plant selection, winter garden structure, and building landscapes that look good even in February.