If you’re wondering when to plant beets in Arkansas, timing is your most important tool. Getting it right means you’ll enjoy a long, productive harvest of sweet, earthy roots and nutritious greens. Arkansas gardeners have a big advantage: with our climate, you can often grow beets in both spring and fall for two harvests each year.
This guide gives you the simple schedule and tips you need for success. We’ll cover the best planting dates, variety choices, and care steps to ensure your beets thrive.
When To Plant Beets In Arkansas
For the best results, you have two main planting windows. The goal is to grow beets in cool weather, as heat makes them bitter and tough.
Spring Planting Schedule
Plant your spring beet seeds as soon as the garden soil can be worked. This is typically 2 to 4 weeks before your last average spring frost date.
- In North Arkansas (Zones 6b-7a): Plant from late February through mid-March.
- In Central Arkansas (Zones 7b-8a): Plant from mid-February through early March.
- In South Arkansas (Zone 8b): Plant from early February through early March.
A good rule is to get them in the ground when soil temperatures reach at least 45°F. They germinate best between 55°F and 75°F.
Fall Planting Schedule
Fall is often the easiest and most productive time for beets in Arkansas. The cooling temperatures make them incredibly sweet.
- In North Arkansas: Plant from early August to mid-September.
- In Central Arkansas: Plant from mid-August to late September.
- In South Arkansas: Plant from late August to early October.
Count backwards from your first average fall frost date. Aim to plant seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before that frost. This gives the roots enough time to size up properly.
Choosing the Right Beet Varieties
Some beet types perform better in Arkansas’s specific conditions. Look for varieties with good heat tolerance for our early springs and fast maturity.
- Detroit Dark Red: A reliable, classic variety that does well here.
- Early Wonder Tall Top: Fast-growing, good for quick spring crops.
- Cylindra (Formanova): Produces long, cylindrical roots that are easy to slice.
- Golden Beet: Sweeter and doesn’t bleed, great for salads.
- Chioggia: Beautiful candy-striped interior, best in the cooler fall season.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a strong start. Beets are grown from seed directly in the garden.
1. Prepare Your Soil
Beets need loose, well-draining soil. Rocks or heavy clay can cause misshapen roots. Work the soil to a depth of at least 8-12 inches.
Mix in a generous amount of compost. Avoid fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will give you lots of leaves but small roots. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
2. Sow the Seeds Correctly
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Space them about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Each “seed” is actually a dried fruit cluster that may sprout several seedlings.
Water the seeded area gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist for germination, which takes 5 to 14 days.
3. Thinning is Non-Negotiable
This is the step many gardeners skip, but it’s crucial. Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, you must thin them.
- Thin to 3 to 4 inches apart for larger roots.
- For a continual harvest of small, tender “baby” beets, you can thin to 2 inches apart.
Don’t just pull them, as you might disturb the roots of the plants you want to keep. Use scissors to snip off the unwanted seedlings at the soil line. The thinned greens are delicious in salads!
Caring for Your Beet Crop
Ongoing care is simple but important for a good harvest.
Watering
Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Consistent moisture is key, especially during root development. Sudden dry spells followed by heavy watering can cause the roots to crack or become woody.
Fertilizing
If your soil was prepared with compost, little extra fertilizer is needed. A mid-season side dressing of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or more compost can be beneficial if growth seems slow.
Weeding and Mulching
Weed carefully around young beet plants, as they don’t compete well. Applying a 2-inch layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) after thinning helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures cooler.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they look big enough to eat. For the roots, they are typically ready 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety.
- You can harvest them at any size. “Baby” beets are often harvested at 1-2 inches in diameter and are very tender.
- For full-sized beets, wait until they are 3-4 inches across. Gently dig or pull them from the soil.
For fall beets, you can leave them in the ground through several light frosts, which improves their flavor. Harvest all remaining roots before a hard freeze. To store them, twist off the tops (leave about 1 inch of stem), brush off dirt, and keep in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer or a root cellar.
Common Problems and Solutions
Beets are relatively trouble-free, but here’s what to watch for:
- Small or No Roots: Usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning), too much nitrogen, or hot weather.
- Leaf Miners or Flea Beetles: Use row covers to protect young plants. Remove affected leaves.
- Poor Germination: Often due to old seeds, soil crusting, or inconsistent watering. Keep the seedbed moist until seedlings emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant beets in the summer in Arkansas?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plants, leading to bitter, pithy roots. Focus on spring and fall plantings for the best quality.
How long does it take for beets to grow?
Most varieties are ready to harvest 55 to 65 days after sowing the seeds. Check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet for the specific variety.
Can I grow beets in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix, and thin seedlings just as you would in the ground. Ensure the container has good drainage holes.
Why are my beet leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate a few issues: overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency (often nitrogen). Check your soil moisture and consider a light fertilizer application if other causes are ruled out.
What are good companion plants for beets?
Beets grow well near bush beans, lettuce, onions, and members of the cabbage family. Avoid planting them too close to pole beans, as they can compete for nutrients.
Following this straightforward guide will set you up for a succesful beet harvest. With the right timing and simple care, you can enjoy homegrown beets from your Arkansas garden for much of the year. Remember, the secret is in the cool-season schedule and not skipping that important thinning step.