When To Plant Beets In Illinois

If you’re planning your Illinois garden, knowing when to plant beets is the key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our state’s climate, but timing is everything for sweet, tender roots.

You can grow beets in both spring and fall for two harvests each year. The goal is to plant them during cool weather, so they mature before summer heat or winter freeze arrives. Let’s break down the best dates and methods for success.

For a spring crop, you should sow beet seeds directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. For most of Illinois, this window falls between early April and early May. Northern Illinois gardeners should aim for late April to early May. Central Illinois can often start in mid-April. Southern Illinois gardeners can usually begin in early April.

A fall crop is often even sweeter. Plant seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before your first average fall frost. For northern Illinois, that’s late July to early August. Central Illinois should target early to mid-August. Southern Illinois can plant from mid-August to early September.

Understanding Your Illinois Frost Dates

Your local frost dates are your best guide. Here’s a general breakdown by region:

Northern Illinois (Rockford, Chicago): Last spring frost around May 5-15. First fall frost around October 5-15.
Central Illinois (Springfield, Peoria): Last spring frost around April 15-25. First fall frost around October 15-25.
Southern Illinois (Carbondale, Cairo): Last spring frost around April 5-15. First fall frost around October 20-30.

Always check with your local university extension office for the most precise dates in your county.

Spring Planting Step-by-Step

Spring planting is all about working with soil that’s thawed and workable.

Prepare the Soil: As soon as the ground is no longer soggy, work it to a depth of 8-12 inches. Beets need loose, well-draining soil free of clumps and stones, which can cause misshapen roots. Mix in compost.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Each “seed” is actually a cluster, so you’ll get multiple seedlings.
Water and Wait: Keep the soil consistently moist for germination, which takes 5-14 days depending on temperature.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart. Don’t just pull them—snip at the soil line to avoid disturbing nearby roots. You can eat the thinnings as tender greens!

Fall Planting Step-by-Step

Fall planting has advantages: warmer soil speeds germination, and cooler growing days improve flavor.

Timing is Tighter: Calculate your planting date based on your first frost. Count back 8-10 weeks. Beets can handle a light frost, which makes them even sweeter.
Beat the Heat: Plant in late summer when soil is still warm. You may need to water more frequently at first to keep the seedbed from drying out. A light layer of straw mulch can help retain moisture and cool the soil.
Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow a new short row every two weeks until about 6 weeks before your hard freeze.
Protect for Extended Harvest: Use row covers or cold frames as temperatures drop in late fall. This can protect your beets, allowing you to harvest them fresh from the ground for weeks longer.

Choosing the Right Beet Varieties for Illinois

Some varieties perform particularly well in our growing conditions. Consider these types:

Detroit Dark Red: A reliable, classic variety perfect for both spring and fall.
Chioggia (Candy Cane): Beautiful internal rings; matures relatively quickly.
Golden Beet: Doesn’t bleed color; sweet flavor and often has less pest issues.
Early Wonder Tall Top: Good for early spring planting and for harvesting its tasty greens.

Essential Care Tips for Healthy Beets

Beets are low-maintenance if you get a few things right from the start.

Sunlight: They need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct light per day.
Soil pH: Aim for a slightly sweet (alkaline) soil, between 6.5 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, your beets won’t grow well.
Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week. Consistent moisture is crucial for smooth, non-woody roots. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal.
Fertilizing: Go easy on nitrogen, which encourages leafy tops at the expense of roots. Use a balanced fertilizer or one with more phosphorus at planting.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good timing, you might face a few challenges.

Poor Germination: Old seeds or crusty soil can cause this. Keep the seedbed moist and consider covering rows with a board or burlap until sprouts appear to retain moisture.
Small or No Roots: Usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or too much heat. Ensure proper spacing and plant in the correct season.
Leaf Miners or Flea Beetles: These pests can damage foliage. Use floating row covers as a barrier immediately after planting. For leaf miners, pick off affected leaves.
Scabby Roots: This is often a sign of soil that’s too acidic. Get a soil test and amend with garden lime if needed, following test recommendations.

Harvesting and Storing Your Beet Crop

You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they look tasty. For the roots, they’re typically ready 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety.

For Tender Beets: Harvest when roots are about 1-2 inches in diameter. These are the sweetest and most tender.
For Larger Beets: You can let them grow to 3 inches, but they may become more fibrous.
To Harvest: Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork and pull up the plant by it’s base.
Storage: Twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding. Store unwashed roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several weeks. For long-term storage, keep them in a cool, humid place like a root cellar.

FAQ: Planting Beets in Illinois

Can I start beets indoors?

It’s generally not recommended. Beets have a taproot that dislikes being transplanted. Direct sowing is almost always more succesful and easier.

How late can you plant beets in Illinois?

For a fall crop, your last practical planting date is about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This gives the roots enough time to size up before growth slows way down in cold weather.

Why are my beet leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can indicate a few issues: overwatering, poor drainage, a nitrogen deficiency, or a disease like leaf spot. Check your soil moisture and consider a soil test if the problem persists.

Can I grow beets in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage. You’ll need to water more frequently than in-ground plants.

What are good companion plants for beets?

Onions, garlic, lettuce, and bush beans are good companions. Avoid planting beets near pole beans, as they can compete.

With the right timing and simple care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of homegrown beets. The crisp, sweet roots from your own garden are worth the little bit of planning it takes. Just remember the core rule: plant them in the cool weather of spring and fall for the best results in Illinois.