When to Plant and Harvest Beet
Dual-purpose vegetable valued for both sweet roots and nutritious tops
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.2. Keep it within 6.2 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 32 to 40F and 95 to 100% humidity. Keeps 3 to 5 months. Cure: No curing. Cut off the tops, leaving a short stub. Do not store beets with the leaves on. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Pickled beets, Roasted root vegetables. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA notes large mature leaves contain oxalic acid. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Earthy, sweet root flavor.
Variety notes: General beet guidance; greens and roots are both edible.
Best Time and Place to Plant Beet
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Beet in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 4 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 4 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; even moisture prevents tough, woody roots
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Wood Ash organic: 3 lbs per 100 sq ft for potassium and pH
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Cabbage
Avoid Planting Near
- Pole Beans
- Field Mustard
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Root shoulder is 1.5-3 inches in diameter at soil surface
- Root surface is smooth and deep red/gold
- Greens are still lush (can harvest greens too)
- Pull a test beet to check size and texture
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- Chioggia Beet: Striped Italian beet best harvested small to medium.
FAQs
When should I plant Beet?
Beet planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Beet?
The best time of year to plant Beet is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Beet?
Plant Beet in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 75F, and enough room for 4 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Beet?
Plant Beet about 4 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Beet?
Beet is commonly paired with Onions, Lettuce, Kale, Cabbage.
How long does Beet take to grow?
Beet is typically ready to harvest in about 55 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Beet?
Harvest Beet when root shoulder is 1.5-3 inches in diameter at soil surface. Root surface is smooth and deep red/gold Greens are still lush (can harvest greens too)