Beet in Zone 5a & 5b
Beta vulgaris
When to plant beet in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Beet doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 19–Apr 26 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 13–Jun 20 (~55 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Beets give you two crops in one: the root everyone thinks of, plus edible greens that can be harvested along the way without ruining the root underneath. They're also more tolerant of imperfect soil than carrots or other root crops, which makes them a good choice for a bed that isn't perfectly loose and stone-free.
How beet fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Beet needs about 55 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Onion: Neither competes heavily; onions deter some beet pests.
Where to buy beet seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing beet" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Beet in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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