GrowZone

ZIP 48226 planting calendar

When to plant carrots in Detroit, MI - Zone 6b

In ZIP 48226, plant carrots around Apr 14; this uses the Detroit frost station, USDA zone 6b, and carrots timing rules.

Your Detroit calendar has a 163-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Detroit frost station, USDA zone 6b, and carrots timing rules.

Source: detroit-metro frost station, USDA zone 6b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 6b Detroit frost station Michigan State University Extension Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start carrots seeds indoors in Detroit

In ZIP 48226, carrots is usually direct-sown around Apr 14 instead of started indoors.

Carrots is normally direct-sown in Detroit. Use around Apr 14 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 48226.

Seed starting schedule

Carrots dates for Detroit, MI

StepDateHow to use it
Direct SowApril 14, 2026Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Detroit?

Detroit (ZIP 48226) has an average last spring frost around May 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Detroit?

The average first fall frost is around Oct 15, giving about 163 frost-free days.

Season map

Carrots windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sow
Apr 14
Harvest
Jun 23
Frost watch
Aug 6

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow carrotsApr 14
Last frost windowMay 5
First carrots harvest windowJun 23
Last carrots sowing targetAug 6
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMay 5, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateOctober 15, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length163 daysLonger seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing2-3 inAirflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature45 F+Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Detroit frost history and USDA zone 6b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

Michigan State University Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Carrots timing notes

Direct sow only; carrots dislike transplanting. Carrots prefers full sun, 2-3 in spacing, and soil near 45 F+.

For fall, count backward from Oct 15. A conservative last sowing target is around Aug 6.