If you’re planning your garden in the Centennial State, knowing when to plant beets in Colorado is the key to a great harvest. This guide will walk you through the best times and methods for success.
Beets are a fantastic crop for Colorado gardeners. They’re tough, nutritious, and can handle our unique climate. With a little planning, you can enjoy two harvests each year—one in early summer and another in the fall.
When To Plant Beets In Colorado
For most of Colorado, the best time to plant beets is in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically from late March through mid-May. You can also plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest.
Our state has several distinct growing zones, from the cold mountains to the warmer plains. Your specific planting dates will depend on where you live. The goal is to avoid having young seedlings hit by a hard freeze, but also to keep them from bolting in the peak summer heat.
Spring Planting Dates by Region
- Front Range Urban Corridor (Zones 5-6): Start planting beet seeds outdoors from late March to early April. You can continue succession planting every two weeks until mid-May.
- Western Slope & Warmer Valleys (Zones 6-7): You can often begin in mid-March. Use season extenders like cold frames for even earlier starts.
- High Mountain Areas (Zones 3-4): Wait until late May or even early June. The soil takes much longer to warm up here.
- Eastern Plains (Zones 5-6): Aim for early to mid-April. Wind protection for young seedlings is crucial in this region.
Fall Planting for a Second Harvest
For a sweeter, more tender fall crop, count backwards from your first expected fall frost. Plant your beet seeds about 8-10 weeks before that date. For many areas, this means planting again in late July or early August.
Fall beets often have less pest pressure and the cooler temperatures make the roots extra sweet. Just make sure to provide enough water during the hot, dry weeks of late summer.
How to Plant Beets Successfully
Getting beets to grow well is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps. The right soil and planting depth make all the difference.
Step 1: Prepare Your Soil
Beets need loose, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay or rocky, they will struggle to form nice round roots. Work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
Mix in a generous amount of compost. Avoid fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this will encourage leafy tops instead of big roots. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Step 2: Planting the Seeds
- Sow seeds directly in the garden. Beets do not transplant well because of there taproot.
- Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them about 1 inch apart in rows.
- Rows should be 12 to 18 inches apart from each other.
- Water the seeded area gently but thoroughly.
Each beet “seed” is actually a dried fruit cluster containing multiple seeds. This means you’ll likely get several seedlings sprouting from one spot. You’ll need to thin them later.
Step 3: Watering and Thinning
Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which takes 5 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 4 inches apart. This gives each beet enough room to grow.
Don’t throw those thinnings away! The young greens are delicious in salads. After thinning, water deeply about once a week, providing 1 inch of water. Consistent moisture prevents the roots from becoming woody or cracking.
Choosing the Right Beet Varieties for Colorado
Some beet varieties perform better in Colorado’s conditions than others. Look for types known for tolerance to temperature swings.
- ‘Detroit Dark Red’: A reliable, classic variety that stores well.
- ‘Chioggia’: Beautiful candy-striped interior and good flavor.
- ‘Golden’: Doesn’t bleed, has a sweeter, milder taste.
- ‘Cylindra’: Forms long, cylindrical roots good for slicing and high yields in small spaces.
- ‘Lutz Green Leaf’: Excellent for fall planting and storage; it keeps for months.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even experienced gardeners face a few issues. Here’s how to handle common beet problems in Colorado.
Pests
Leaf miners and flea beetles can damage the greens. Use floating row covers to protect plants, especially in the seedling stage. Aphids can also be a problem; a strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off.
Diseases
Good garden hygiene prevents most diseases. Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf fungal issues like Cercospora leaf spot. Rotate your crops each year, don’t plant beets in the same spot where spinach or chard grew the previous season.
Weather Issues
A late spring frost can damage young seedlings. Have a frost blanket or old sheet ready to throw over them if a cold night is forecast. For fall crops, an early frost can be a blessing—it sweetens the roots—but a hard freeze will damage them. Harvest fall beets before the ground freezes solid.
Harvesting and Storing Your Beets
You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they look big enough to eat. For the roots, they are usually ready 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety.
Harvest when the roots are 1 to 3 inches in diameter for the best texture. Don’t let them get too large or they can become tough. To store, twist off the tops (leave about an inch of stem), brush off dirt, and keep in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer or root cellar.
FAQ: Planting Beets in Colorado
Can I plant beets in June in Colorado?
Yes, but it’s less ideal. June plantings will mature during the hottest part of summer, which can stress the plants. If you plant in June, choose a spot with afternoon shade and be vigilant about watering.
How late can you plant beets for a fall harvest?
You should aim to get seeds in the ground by mid-August for most areas. The roots need time to size up before the days get too short and cold. Using quick-maturing varieties (50 days) can extend your planting window a bit.
Do beets grow well in Colorado’s clay soil?
They can struggle. It’s essential to amend heavy clay soil with lots of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and texture. Raised beds are an excellent solution for dense clay soils.
Can I start beet seeds indoors?
It’s not recommended. Beets have a sensitive taproot that dislikes being disturbed. Direct sowing is always the best and easiest method for success.
Why did my beets produce lots of leaves but small roots?
This usually means the soil had too much nitrogen or the plants were overcrowded and not thinned properly. Next time, go easy on fertilizer and be sure to thin seedlings to the proper spacing.
With this timing and tips, you’re well on your way to growing a bountiful crop of colorful, tasty beets. Remember, the secret is in the soil prep and not rushing the spring planting date. A little patience in the spring leads to a much better harvest.