How long do carrot seeds take to germinate?
Carrot seeds sprout in 6-17 days at an optimal soil temperature of 45-85 °F. Use the planner to estimate days and a sprout date for your soil temperature.
Quick answer
Germination planner
The marker shows your soil temperature; the curve is Oregon State University Extension.
Notes & troubleshooting
A cool-season crop, direct-sown (carrots do not transplant well). At warm soil (68-86 F) the seed actually germinates in about 6-7 days, but in the cool spring soil people usually sow into (~50 F) it takes ~17 days — the famous 'slow carrot'. The surface must stay consistently moist the whole time; a dry crust is the most common cause of failure.
If they will not sprout
- Dry-out: never let the surface crust dry; cover with a board or shade cloth until sprouting.
- Slow in cool soil: at ~50 F expect ~17 days; warmer soil is much faster. Do not give up early.
- Old seed: carrot seed is short-lived (~3 years); use fresh seed for even stands.
Sources & how the planner works
The germination range (40-95 °F), optimal band (45-85 °F, best ~80 °F), 6-17 days to germinate, and 1/4 in sowing depth are taken from the sources below and last reviewed 2026-06-18.
Data basis: Oregon State University Extension — J.F. Harrington soil-temperature germination table (days at 1/2 in depth).
For vegetables the planner reads Oregon State University Extension's measured days-to-seedling at the nearest tested soil temperature (the Harrington table, at 1/2 in planting depth) — it is a direct lookup of published data, not a prediction. For flowers, which have a published optimum range and days but no full temperature curve, the planner shows the cited day range within the optimum band and flags soil that is too cold or too hot. The 'sow date -> sprout window' is the sow date plus the day range. It is general guidance, not a zone-based planting calendar.
General seed-starting guidance only. Soil temperature (not air temperature) drives germination; use a soil thermometer for best results. The OSU/Harrington vegetable data assumes nighttime fluctuation to 60 F or lower and a 1/2 in planting depth. Verify timing for your specific variety and region; extension services publish local recommendations.