Planting Guides

When to Plant Carrots in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a

Minneapolis, Minnesota
USDA Zone 4a
Last Frost: May 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant carrots in Minneapolis May 1-15 for summer harvest, July 1-15 for fall storage crop. Zone 4a's short season requires fast varieties.
AAmanda Foster
October 30, 2025
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Fresh carrots harvested from Minneapolis Zone 4a garden showing proper fall timing

Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Plant carrots May 1-15 for summer harvest, July 1-15 for storage crop. Daucus carota 'Napoli' handles Minneapolis's short season perfectly.
TL;DR
Plant carrots in Minneapolis May 1-15 for summer harvest or July 1-15 for storage crop. Daucus carota 'Napoli' and Daucus carota 'Nelson' handle Zone 4a's short 138-day season best. Fall carrots sweetened by frost beat summer varieties every time.
Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start carrot seeds indoors in Minneapolis?

Don't start carrot seeds indoors—they don't transplant successfully. Direct sow outdoors May 1-15 for summer harvest or July 1-15 for fall storage crop. The taproot gets damaged during transplanting, causing forked and stunted roots.

What carrot varieties work best in Minneapolis clay soil?

Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Core' handles Minneapolis clay soil better than long varieties. These short, broad-shouldered carrots push through compacted soil that stops Daucus carota 'Imperator' types. Improve clay with sand and compost for best results with any variety.

Can I overwinter carrots in Minneapolis Zone 4a?

Yes, with heavy mulching. Plant Daucus carota 'Bolero' by July 15, harvest most in October, then mulch remaining rows with 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) of straw. Cover with tarp to keep mulch dry. Dig carrots through winter as needed—they'll be incredibly sweet.

Why do my Minneapolis carrots fork and split?

Forking happens when carrot roots hit obstacles like stones or compacted soil layers. Minneapolis clay commonly causes this problem. Double-dig beds 12 inches (30 cm) deep, remove stones, and add sand to improve soil structure. Switch to Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Core' for problem soils.

When do Minneapolis carrots get sweetest?

Fall carrots harvested after first frost September 29 are sweetest. Cold triggers starch-to-sugar conversion as a natural antifreeze. Leave Daucus carota 'Bolero' and Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes' in ground 1-2 weeks after frost for maximum sweetness before harvesting.
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Written By
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Amanda Foster

Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.

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