How to grow beet
Each "seed" is a cluster; thin to one seedling and eat the thinnings as greens.
Your beet dates
Companions
ArugulaBroccoliCabbageCauliflowerGarlicKaleKohlrabiLeekLettuceOnion
Keep apart from
Rotation and family
Beet belongs to the roots & umbellifers (Apiaceae / Amaranthaceae). Light feeders; fresh manure makes carrots fork.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the roots & alliums bed. Avoid growing it where any roots & umbellifers grew in the last three years.
Sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a steady supply. The succession planting calculator lists the dates.
When to plant beet by zone
| Zone | Sow / plant out | Sow for fall |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 29 – Jun 10 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 |
| 4 | Apr 21 – Jun 2 | Jul 18 – Aug 8 |
| 5 | Apr 9 – May 21 | Jul 30 – Aug 20 |
| 6 | Mar 30 – May 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| 7 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Sep 3 – Sep 24 |
| 9 | Feb 1 – Mar 15 | Sep 24 – Oct 15 |
| 10 | Jan 11 – Feb 22 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Beet questions
When should I plant beet?
Plant beet outdoors 3 weeks before your last spring frost. For a fall crop, sow about 10 weeks before your first fall frost.
How far apart should I plant beet?
About 4 inches apart, or 9 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with beet?
Traditional companions include arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion. Keep it away from pole bean.
How long does beet take to grow?
Typically 50–60 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.