How to grow carrots

Takes light frost · Carrot family

When to sow and plant

Sow outdoors 29 March – 5 April
Sow (autumn) 4–18 August

Based on: average for Germany, last frost 19 April, safe from 6 May

Where the dates come from

The weeks come from our sources; the dates use the average frost in Germany. Enter a German postcode to get dates for your area.

Sow outdoors: 2–3 weeks before the last frost (USU Extension: Carrots in the Garden)
Sow (autumn): 10–12 weeks before the first autumn frost (Cornell Home Gardening: Growing Guide Carrots)

Good and bad neighbours

Good neighbours · 4

French marigold (tagetes)Study· B
In a field trial, carrots grown with French marigolds had the least carrot fly damage; yield did not drop.
B: Hint from one study
French marigold (tagetes)
Pot marigold (calendula)Study· B
In the same trial, carrots next to pot marigolds had the least nematode damage.
B: Hint from one study
Pot marigold (calendula)
Spring onion (scallion)Study· B
Carrots grown with Welsh onions had less carrot fly damage and higher yields in a trial.
B: Hint from one study
Spring onion (scallion)
TomatoExpert rule· C
Carrots dislike heat; tomatoes give them shade.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Tomato

Disputed · 2

OnionDisputed· X
Classic pairing against carrot and onion fly. Trials show slightly less carrot fly while onions are young; the Bavarian garden academy advises against it because nutrient and water needs differ.
X: Sources disagree
Onion
DillDisputed· X
Said to be a good neighbour and it cut carrot fly damage in a trial – but carrot yield fell markedly.
X: Sources disagree
Dill

Gardeners’ lore, not proven · 3

LeekLore: good· D
Said to help against carrot and leek flies; no study on this exact pair.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Leek
Swiss chardLore: good· D
Traditional advice, not tested.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Swiss chard
Sugar snap and snow peaLore: good· D
Traditional advice, not tested.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Sugar snap and snow pea

Crop rotation

After the carrot family, leave the bed free of it for at least 4 years (sources: 4–5 years).

The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.
Example: grown here in 2026, again from 2031.

At a glance

Family: Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Nutrient needs: Medium feeder
Frost: Half-hardy, tolerates light frost
Spacing (row × plant): 25 × – cm (10 × – in)
Per square foot (30 × 30 cm): 16 plants
Life cycle: Annual
Harvest: After 70–100 days from sowing

Spacing according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Sä- und Pflanztermine auf einen Blick (2018). Other sources: 15–30 × 5–8 cm (6–12 × 2–3 in) (RHS Grow your own: Carrots); 30–46 × 8 cm (12–18 × 3 in) (USU Extension: Carrots in the Garden).

Questions and answers

When can I sow carrots?

Sow outdoors, average for Germany: 29 March – 5 April. Enter a German postcode above for your area, or your own frost date in the planting calendar.

How far apart should I plant carrots?

25 × – cm (10 × – in) (row × plant), according to Bayerische Gartenakademie (LWG): Sä- und Pflanztermine auf einen Blick (2018).

What grows well next to carrots?

French marigold (tagetes): Good neighbour (B), Pot marigold (calendula): Good neighbour (B), Spring onion (scallion): Good neighbour (B), Tomato: Good neighbour (C) and Onion: Disputed (X).

How long a break do carrots need in the same bed?

After the carrot family, leave the bed free of it for at least 4 years (sources: 4–5 years). The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.

Sources

Show 18 sources

Retrieved on 23 October 2026. Facts in our own words, one source per value.