Harvest guide

Carrot harvest guide: when to pick and how much to expect

Carrots can be pulled young and sweet in early summer or left to size up and stored through winter. This guide covers both, plus what a row yields.

Days to harvest: 65–70 days from sowing(Montana State University Extension)
Harvest months: May–November(RHS)
Typical yield: 4.5 kg per 3 m row (10 lb per 10 ft)(Montana State University Extension)
Spacing: 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) apart, rows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) apart(RHS)
Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
Botanical name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Carrot planting and harvest calendar

Sow February–July. Harvest May–November.(RHS)

Carrot season timeline

Sow
Harvest

Months are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate, based on RHS (UK) guidance. Shift them earlier or later to match your own frost dates, or by about six months in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sow
Harvest

When to harvest carrots

Carrots are generally ready 12–16 weeks after sowing. Pull them once they are big enough to use, since flavour drops off in very large roots.(RHS)
A good sign is the top of the root, where it meets the leaves, reaching about 2.5 cm (1 in) across.(University of Minnesota Extension)
Loosen the soil with a fork before lifting, especially in heavy soil, so the roots don't snap.(RHS)

How often to pick

Lift a few at a time as you need them. Main-season carrots can stay in the ground well into autumn.(RHS)

How many carrots to expect

A 3 m (10 ft) row typically gives about 4.5 kg (10 lb).(Montana State University Extension)

Yields vary with variety, weather, soil and care. Treat these as ballpark figures, not targets.

Plan for your family

For 4 people eating carrots fresh, plan on about 6–12 m (20–40 ft) of row(University of Missouri Extension). That should give roughly 9–18 kg (20–40 lb)(Montana State University Extension).

To preserve or store some as well, allow 3–4.6 m (10–15 ft) of row per person.(University of Missouri Extension)

See the full planting-per-person guide →

Storing your carrots

Twist off the tops and keep the roots cold and humid, around 0–4 °C (32–40 °F). Stored like this they can last about eight months.(University of Minnesota Extension)
In well-drained soil you can also leave them in the ground into winter under a layer of straw or cardboard and dig them as needed.(RHS)

Track it

Log every carrot harvest

Harvest Journal is a private garden journal for your phone. Tap to log each picking of carrots by weight or count, and see your season add up, with no account needed.

Prefer paper? Make a free harvest report PDF in your browser, with no account needed.

Carrot harvest FAQ

How long do carrots take to grow?

Montana State University Extension lists 65 to 70 days to maturity, and the RHS says carrots are usually ready 12 to 16 weeks after sowing. Baby carrots can be pulled after a month or two.

Can I leave carrots in the ground over winter?

Yes, if your soil doesn't get waterlogged. The RHS suggests cutting off the leaves and covering the row with straw or cardboard. Otherwise lift them and store them cold and humid.