When To Plant Beets In Texas

If you’re wondering when to plant beets in Texas, timing is everything for a sweet, crunchy harvest. The state’s diverse climate means your planting schedule depends heavily on whether you’re in North Texas or along the Gulf Coast.

Beets are a fantastic, dual-purpose crop. You get tasty roots and nutritious greens from one plant. They thrive in cooler weather, which makes spring and fall the prime seasons for Texas gardeners. Getting the timing right avoids problems like woody roots or bolting plants.

For most of Texas, you have two main planting windows: late winter to early spring, and again in the fall. The goal is to grow beets when temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F for the best root development.

Spring Planting Dates

In North Texas (like Dallas/Fort Worth), aim to plant beet seeds from mid-February through mid-March. Central Texas (including Austin) gardeners can start a bit earlier, from late January to early March. In South Texas (San Antonio to the Valley), you can often plant from January through February.

For the Gulf Coast regions, watch the soil temperature. Plant as soon as you can work the soil in late January or February. A light frost won’t hurt the seeds, and it can even improve the flavor.

Fall Planting Dates

The fall planting season is often more reliable and productive. In North Texas, plant from late August to early October. For Central Texas, the window is from September to early November. South Texas gardeners have the longest season, often from October through December.

The key is to count backwards from your first average frost date. Plant beet seeds about 8-10 weeks before that frost. This gives them enough time to mature in the cooling weather they love.

Regional Considerations

Texas is big, and microclimates matter. Always use your local frost dates as your primary guide. If you’re in the Panhandle, your springs are shorter and falls come earlier. Along the coast, humidity is a bigger factor than cold.

Adjusting for Your Specific Zone

Zones 6-7 (Panhandle & North): Strictly spring and fall crops. Protect early plantings with row cover.
Zones 8 (Central & North-Central): The ideal beet climate. Long, productive fall seasons.
Zones 9-10 (South & Coastal): Focus on winter as your primary growing season. Plant in fall for a winter harvest.

Soil Preparation is Key

Beets need loose, well-draining soil to form perfect round roots. If your soil is heavy clay or rocky, you’ll end up with misshapen beets.

Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Remove any stones or clods.
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid fresh manure, as it can cause forked roots.
Beets prefer a slightly sweet soil. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test can help you adjust if needed.

How to Plant Beet Seeds Correctly

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

Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist soil.
Space the seed clusters about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Water gently but thoroughly after planting.
Seeds should germinate in 5-14 days, depending on soil temperature.

Once seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, you’ll need to thin them. This is a crucial step that many gardeners skip. Crowded beets won’t develop properly. Thin to one plant every 3-4 inches. You can eat the thinned greens in salads!

Watering and Feeding Your Beets

Consistent moisture is the secret to tender, non-woody beets. Letting the soil dry out stresses the plants.

Water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing about 1 inch of water total.
Use mulch! A 2-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves keeps soil moist and cool, which beets adore.
For fertilizer, a balanced, low-nitrogen mix is best. Too much nitrogen gives you huge leaves but tiny roots. A side dressing of compost halfway through the season is usually sufficient.

Common Pests and Problems in Texas

Luckily, beets don’t have to many major pest issues. Prevention is your best strategy.

Leaf Miners and Aphids

These insects can damage the foliage. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids. For leaf miners, remove affected leaves. Floating row covers installed at planting can prevent the flies from laying eggs.

Bolting (Going to Seed)

If your beets send up a tall flower stalk, the root becomes tough and inedible. Bolting is caused by planting too late in spring (exposing young plants to sudden heat) or by a sudden cold snap followed by warmth in the fall. Sticking to the recommended planting windows is the best prevention.

Poor Root Development

Small, hard, or misshapen roots are usually a soil issue. It could be:
– Soil that’s too heavy or compacted.
– Not thinning seedlings properly.
– A nutrient imbalance (get that soil test!).

Harvesting and Storing Your Texas Beets

You can start harvesting beet greens when they are young and tender. For the roots, they’re usually ready 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety.

Harvest when roots are 1-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture.
Loosen the soil with a fork and gently pull up the plant.
Twist off the leaves about 1-2 inches above the root. This prevents “bleeding” during cooking and helps the root store longer.
Store unwashed roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for several weeks. For long-term storage, they can be kept in a cool, humid place like a root cellar.

Recommended Beet Varieties for Texas

Some varieties handle our heat and soil better than others. Here are a few reliable choices:

Detroit Dark Red: A classic, reliable variety with great flavor.
Chioggia (Candy Cane): Beautiful red and white rings inside. Tends to be a bit more heat-tolerant.
Golden Beet: Doesn’t “bleed” like red beets and has a milder, sweeter flavor.
Cylindra: Produces long, cylindrical roots that are easy to slice for pickling.

FAQ

Can I plant beets in the summer in Texas?
It’s generally not recommended. Summer heat causes beets to become bitter, woody, and bolt quickly. If you want to try, choose a shaded area, mulch heavily, and water consistently, but success is not guaranteed.

How late can you plant beets in Texas?
For a fall crop, you can plant up until about 8 weeks before your first hard freeze. In many parts of South Texas, this means you can plant into December for a late winter harvest.

Can I grow beets in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a high-quality potting mix and water more frequently, as containers dry out faster. The thinning step is just as important.

Why are my beet leaves turning red or yellow?
Red leaves can be a normal characteristic of some varieties or a sign of stress from temperature swings. Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency.

What are good companion plants for beets in my garden?
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.

Getting your planting timing right is the first and most important step. With the proper schedule for your region, good soil preparation, and consistent care, you’ll be pulling up beautiful, homegrown beets from your Texas garden in no time. The sweet, earthy taste of a freshly harvested beet is well worth the effort.