How to Grow Beets
Beta vulgaris
Two crops in one — sweet roots below and nutritious greens above.
By the Plants by Zone Editorial Team · Reviewed June 1, 2026
About beets
Beets are a dual-purpose cool-season crop: the roots are earthy and sweet, and the leafy tops are as nutritious as chard. They tolerate cold well and grow in spring and fall. Each beet “seed” is actually a cluster, so thinning is part of the routine — and the thinnings make great salad greens.
When to plant and harvest beets
Timing is relative to your frost dates. Find your USDA zone for exact dates, or browse the month-by-month calendars.
Start seeds indoors
Optional
Transplant outdoors
Tolerates careful transplanting
Direct sow
3 weeks before last frost, and late summer for fall
Harvest
Spring and fall
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How to grow beets step by step
- 1
Sow ½ in deep; since each seed is a cluster, expect to thin.
- 2
Thin seedlings to 3 in and eat the thinnings as greens.
- 3
Keep evenly moist for tender, well-shaped roots.
- 4
Harvest roots at golf-ball to tennis-ball size for best texture.
Common problems growing beets
⚠ Small or woody roots
Crowding or heat — thin properly and grow in cool weather.
⚠ Poor germination
Hard seed coat — soak seed overnight and keep soil moist.
⚠ Leaf spot
Rotate crops and avoid overhead watering.
✓ Good companions for beets
✗ Keep away from
🧺 Harvesting beets
Pull roots while small to medium for the sweetest, most tender beets; large ones can turn woody. Harvest a few outer leaves anytime for greens without sacrificing the root.
Beets: frequently asked questions
When should you plant beets?＋
In most regions you start seeds indoors optional, then transplant tolerates careful transplanting — or direct sow 3 weeks before last frost, and late summer for fall. Timing is relative to your last frost, so find your USDA hardiness zone for the exact planting dates where you live.
Can you eat beet leaves?＋
Yes — beet greens are delicious and nutritious, cooked like spinach or chard. Take a few outer leaves without harming the root.
Why are my beets small?＋
Most often crowding — beet seed clusters produce several seedlings, so thin them to about 3 inches apart.
Sources & review
Written and maintained by the Plants by Zone Editorial Team. Planting times are based on USDA hardiness zones and NOAA frost-date normals, with care guidance drawn from Cooperative Extension sources. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapNOAA U.S. climate normalsCooperative Extension
Grow beets in your zone
See exactly when to plant and what else to grow alongside beets, tailored to your USDA hardiness zone.
