When To Plant Beets In California

If you’re wondering when to plant beets in California, you’re in luck. The state’s diverse climates offer a long planting window for these tasty roots. Getting the timing right is the first step to a great harvest.

Beets are a fantastic crop for California gardeners. They’re relatively easy to grow, packed with nutrients, and you can eat both the root and the greens. Whether you’re on the coast or inland, a little planning will ensure your beets thrive.

Your planting schedule in California depends almost entirely on your local climate. The state has many microclimates, but we can group them into two main categories: coastal/inland valleys and colder interior/mountain zones.

For Coastal and Inland Valley Gardens

These areas have mild, frost-free winters and cooler summers. This allows for two main beet planting seasons.

Late Winter to Spring Planting: Sow seeds from late January through April. The soil is warming up, and beets will mature in the mild spring weather.
Late Summer to Fall Planting: This is often the best time. Plant from late August through October. Seeds germinate well in warm soil, and the roots develop during the cool, crisp fall months, which makes them incredibly sweet.

For Colder Interior and Mountain Zones

These regions experience hard frosts and a shorter growing season. Here, you have one primary window.

Spring Planting After Frost: Wait until the danger of a hard frost has passed. Plant from mid-April through early June. You want to get them in the ground so they mature before the peak summer heat, which can make beets woody.
Quick Fall Crop: In some areas, you can plant a fast-maturing variety in late July for a fall harvest, but watch the first frost date closely.

Using a Planting Calendar

A simple rule is to plant beets 8-10 weeks before your area’s first average frost date in fall, and again 4-6 weeks before your last average frost date in spring. Your local nursery can provide the most accurate dates for your town.

Soil and Site Preparation

Beets need loose, well-draining soil to form nice round roots. If your soil is heavy clay or rocky, the roots will become misshapen.

Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun.
Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches, removing any stones or clumps.
Mix in a generous amount of compost. Avoid fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this will give you lots of leaves but small roots.
Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple test kit can check this.

How to Plant Beet Seeds

Beet “seeds” are actually small dried fruit clusters that contain multiple seeds. This is why you often get several seedlings sprouting from one spot.

Soak seeds in warm water for a few hours before planting to soften them and speed up germination.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Water the bed gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until you see seedlings, which usually takes 5-14 days.
Once seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart. Don’t just pull them—snip the extras at the soil line to avoid disturbing the roots of the keepers. You can eat the thinnings as salad greens!

Watering and Feeding Your Beets

Consistent moisture is key for tender, fast-growing beets. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked roots and tough texture.

Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on weather. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
A layer of mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
If your soil was prepared with compost, additional feeding usually isn’t necessary. If growth seems slow, a light side-dressing of a balanced organic fertilizer mid-season can help.

Common Pests and Problems

Beets are fairly trouble-free, but a few issues can pop up.

Leaf Miners: These pests create squiggly white trails in the leaves. Pick off affected leaves and use row covers to prevent the fly from laying eggs.
Aphids: A strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off. Ladybugs are a natural predator.
Poor Root Development: This is usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning enough), compacted soil, or a lack of boron in the soil. Adding compost usually provides enough trace minerals.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

Beets are ready to harvest when the roots are 1 to 3 inches in diameter—often 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Don’t let them get to large, as they can become fibrous.

Gently loosen the soil around the beet with a garden fork.
Grasp the base of the greens and pull. The greens are highly nutritious and can be cooked like spinach or chard.
For storage, twist off the greens, leaving about an inch of stem. Don’t cut the tail root. Store unwashed roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for several weeks.

Recommended Beet Varieties for California

‘Detroit Dark Red’: A reliable, classic variety with deep red, sweet roots.
‘Golden’: A yellow beet that doesn’t bleed and has a milder, sweeter flavor.
‘Chioggia’: An Italian heirloom with beautiful red and white concentric rings inside.
‘Cylindra’: A cylindrical beet that’s perfect for slicing and pickling.

FAQ: Planting Beets in California

Can you plant beets year-round in California?

In the mildest coastal zones, you can succession plant for nearly year-round harvest, avoiding only the hottest mid-summer weeks. Most areas have two distinct planting seasons.

What month is best to plant beets?

For a fall harvest, September is often the ideal month for much of the state. For a spring harvest, aim for February or March in coastal areas, April or May inland.

Do beets grow well in hot weather?

Beets prefer cooler temperatures. Hot weather can cause them to bolt (go to seed) or develop poor flavor. That’s why planting for a fall harvest, when they mature in cooling weather, is so succesful.

How long do beets take to grow?

Most beet varieties are ready to harvest 55 to 70 days after sowing the seeds. You can start harvesting the greens earlier if you want.

Can I grow beets in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and be diligent about watering, as containers dry out faster. Thin seedlings just as you would in the ground.

With the right timing and simple care, growing beets in California is a rewarding project. Your patience will be rewarded with a colorful, homegrown harvest that’s perfect for roasting, pickling, or adding fresh to salads. Get those seeds in the ground at the right time, and you’ll be enjoying your own beets before you know it.