GrowZone

ZIP 80012 planting calendar

When to plant carrots in Aurora, CO - Zone 6a

In ZIP 80012, plant carrots around Apr 14; this uses the Denver frost station, USDA zone 6a, and carrots timing rules.

Your Denver calendar has a 153-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Denver frost station, USDA zone 6a, and carrots timing rules.

Source: denver-intl frost station, USDA zone 6a, 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 6a Denver frost station Colorado State University Extension Updated 2026-06-28
Read the method

Answer first

When to start carrots seeds indoors in Aurora

In ZIP 80012, carrots is usually direct-sown around Apr 14 instead of started indoors.

Carrots is normally direct-sown in Aurora. Use around Apr 14 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 80012.

Seed starting schedule

Carrots dates for Aurora, CO

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 Aurora?

Aurora (ZIP 80012) has an average last spring frost around May 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Aurora?

The average first fall frost is around Oct 5, giving about 153 frost-free days.

Season map

Carrots windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sow
Apr 14
Harvest
Jun 23
Frost watch
Jul 27

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow carrotsApr 14
Last frost windowMay 5
First carrots harvest windowJun 23
Last carrots sowing targetJul 27
SignalValueWhy it matters
Last frost estimateMay 5, 2026Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimateOctober 5, 2026Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length153 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

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

Colorado 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 5. A conservative last sowing target is around Jul 27.