When to Plant Beets
Published: April 24, 2026
Direct sow 3–4 weeks before last frost. Each beet seed is a cluster of 2–3 seeds — thin to 3 inches. Succession plant every 3 weeks through spring; also plant for fall harvest.
When to plant beet
- Direct sow outdoors: 4 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 50–70 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 3 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 8 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Direct sow beets 3–4 weeks before last frost. Each beet seed cluster contains 2–3 seeds — thin to 3 inches. Succession plant every 3 weeks.
Growing Tips for Beets
- •Soak beet seeds 4 hours before planting to soften the tough seed cluster and improve germination rates.
- •Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart — crowded plants produce tiny woody roots rather than full-sized beets.
- •Use thinnings as baby greens in salads; beet greens are more nutritious than the roots.
- •Harvest when shoulders reach 1.5–3 inches wide; larger beets develop woody cores and bitter flavor.
Companion Planting for Beets
✅ Plant beet with
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Lettuce
- • Brassicas
- • Bush Bean
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Pole Bean
- • Mustard
Common Beet Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Beets Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant beets?
Direct sow beets 3–4 weeks before your last frost date, once soil is above 40°F and workable. In Zones 3–5 this is early to mid-April; in Zones 7–8 it is early March. For a fall crop, plant again 8–10 weeks before first fall frost. Succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous harvests.
Why do I need to thin beet seedlings?
Each beet 'seed' is actually a dried fruit containing 2–3 seeds — you will see multiple seedlings emerge from every planted seed. Thin to the strongest seedling at 3-inch spacing when plants are 2 inches tall. Crowded beets produce small woody roots rather than full-sized beets. Use thinnings as baby greens.
Can I transplant beets?
Beets strongly prefer direct sowing because their long tap roots dislike disturbance. If you must transplant, use peat pots that go directly in the ground and move seedlings when they are very young (under 2 inches). In most climates, direct sowing produces better results than transplanting.
When do I harvest beets?
Harvest beets when shoulders reach 1.5–3 inches wide — typically 50–70 days after planting. Smaller beets are more tender and flavorful; larger beets develop woody cores. You can also harvest leaves at any time without killing the plant — pick a few outer leaves and the root continues to grow.
What should I plant with beets?
Onions and garlic repel beet pests. Lettuce shares similar growing conditions. Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage) benefit from minerals beets pull up from deep soil. Bush beans fix nitrogen. Avoid pole beans (compete for trellis space) and mustard (allelopathic toward beets).