When to Plant Beets: Timing by Season and Region

Beets are one of the most satisfying crops for home gardeners—quick to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and packed with nutrition. Getting the planting time right is key to tender roots and flavorful greens. In my 30+ years of growing vegetables year-round in California, I’ve learned that beets thrive when soil and air temperatures are just cool enough to encourage steady growth without bolting or becoming woody.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Beet Growing Seasons

Beets are a cool-season crop. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 50°F and 85°F and grow most vigorously when daytime temperatures stay between 60°F and 70°F. Too much heat can cause beets to develop tough roots and strong-tasting greens, while a hard freeze can damage seedlings.

When to Plant Beets by Season

Spring Planting

Mild and cool climates (Zones 2–7): Direct sow 2–4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Beets tolerate light frost, so an early start is possible.
Mild-winter climates (Zones 8–10): Plant in late winter or very early spring before heat arrives.

Summer Planting

In most climates, summer heat is too intense for beets. If you want a summer crop, choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Cylindra’ and use shade cloth to reduce stress. Plant in early summer only where summers are mild.

Fall Planting

Cooler regions (Zones 2–6): Sow 8–10 weeks before the first expected frost. Roots will mature in the crisp fall weather, improving sweetness.
Mild-winter climates (Zones 7–10): Fall planting is ideal. Sow from late summer into early fall for harvests through winter.

Winter Planting

In frost-free regions (Zones 9–10), beets can be grown right through winter. I’ve found that December sowings in my raised beds produce especially sweet roots, as cool nights enhance flavor.

Zone-by-Zone Beet Planting Calendar

USDA Zone	Earliest Planting Window	Last Planting Window for Fall Harvest	Winter Growing Notes
2–3	Late April–May	Early August	Not winter hardy; use frost protection if extending season.
4–5	Early April	Mid-August	Protect with cold frames for late harvests.
6	Late March–Early April	Early September	Possible winter crop with heavy mulch or low tunnels.
7	Early March	Mid-September	Fall crops can overwinter under row cover.
8	Late February	October	Best beet season is fall–winter; avoid summer heat.
9	January–February	November	Grow fall–spring; avoid planting in peak summer.
10	January	December	Beets can be grown nearly year-round except hottest months.

Planting Tips for Success

Prepare the soil well. Beets need loose, well-drained soil free of rocks for smooth roots.
Direct sow for best results. Beets don’t transplant well. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart.
Keep soil moist. Even moisture encourages uniform growth and prevents woody roots.
Stagger plantings. For a continuous harvest, sow every 2–3 weeks within the suitable temperature window for your region.

My Experience and Recommendation

After decades of gardening in both California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that beets are most dependable when sown in cool, stable weather—either early spring or early fall, depending on your climate. I also recommend keeping a simple planting calendar tailored to your USDA Zone so you can take advantage of every possible beet-growing window.

With the right timing, you’ll enjoy crisp, sweet beets and tender greens almost year-round.