When To Plant Beets In Zone 7

If you’re gardening in zone 7, knowing when to plant beets is the key to a sweet, bountiful harvest. This guide covers the optimal timing for planting beets in zone 7 for both spring and fall crops, ensuring you get the most from your garden space.

Beets are a fantastic dual-purpose crop, providing nutritious roots and delicious greens. They thrive in the moderate climates of zone 7, but timing your planting correctly is crucial to avoid bitter, woody roots or premature bolting. Let’s break down the schedule so you can plan your garden calendar with confidence.

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7, you have two primary planting windows: early spring and late summer for a fall harvest. The goal is to grow beets during cooler weather, as they prefer soil temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. Hot summer temperatures can cause them to become stressed and bolt.

Spring Planting Dates

For a spring crop, you’ll want to get your seeds in the ground as soon as the soil is workable. This is typically 2 to 4 weeks before your last average spring frost date.

Optimal Spring Window: Late February through mid-April.
Target Soil Temp: A minimum of 45°F for germination. They’ll germinate faster (in 5-10 days) once soil reaches 55°F.
Pro Tip: You can succession plant every 2-3 weeks through early spring to extend your harvest.

Fall Planting Dates

Fall is often the best time to grow beets in zone 7. The cooling temperatures make the roots exceptionally sweet. The key is to time planting so that beets mature during the crisp days of autumn.

Optimal Fall Window: Plant seeds from late July through early September.
Counting Backwards: Aim for your harvest date to be about 6-8 weeks before your first average fall frost. Since most beet varieties mature in 50-70 days, count back from your frost date and add a couple weeks for slower growth in shortening days.

Using Your Frost Dates as a Guide

Your local frost dates are your best anchor. In zone 7, average last spring frost dates range from early April in warmer parts (7b) to late April in cooler parts (7a). First fall frosts typically arrive between mid-October and early November.

Example for Spring: If your last frost is April 15, you can safely plant beets outdoors around March 15.
Example for Fall: If your first frost is November 1, plant a crop around August 15 to harvest in late October.

Preparing Your Soil for Beet Success

Beets need loose, well-draining soil to form perfect round roots. Heavy or rocky soil can lead to misshapen growth.

Loosen the Soil: Till or fork your bed to a depth of at least 12 inches.
Check the pH: Beets prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple test kit can confirm this.
Amend Gently: Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy tops at the expense of roots.
Remove Rocks & Clumps: This step is crucial for preventing forked and deformed beets.

The Importance of Thinning

One beet “seed” is actually a dried fruit cluster containing multiple seeds. This means seedlings will emerge in tight clumps. Thinning is non-negotiable for good root development.

Wait until seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall.
Gently pinch off the weakest seedlings, leaving the strongest one every 3-4 inches.
You can eat the thinned greens in salads! Its a tasty bonus from your garden work.

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

Follow these simple steps for direct seeding your beets:

Create Rows or Furrows: Make shallow rows about 1/2 inch deep. Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
Sow the Seeds: Place seeds about 1 inch apart in the row. Don’t worry about perfect spacing initially—you’ll thin them later.
Cover and Water: Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil or compost. Water gently but thoroughly using a fine spray to avoid washing seeds away.
Keep Soil Moist: Maintain consistent moisture until germination. A light layer of straw or grass clippings can help retain moisture.

Choosing the Right Beet Varieties for Zone 7

Many varieties perform well in zone 7’s climate. Consider mixing colors and types for a vibrant harvest.

‘Detroit Dark Red’: A reliable, classic heirloom with deep red roots and good storage quality.
‘Chioggia’: An Italian variety with stunning red and white concentric rings inside.
‘Golden’: Has beautiful yellow flesh that doesn’t bleed and a sweeter, milder flavor.
‘Cylindra’: Produces long, cylindrical roots that are perfect for slicing and can be planted closer together.
‘Bull’s Blood’: Primarily grown for its stunning, deep red leaves, but it also produces small, tasty roots.

Caring for Your Growing Beets

Once established, beets are relatively low-maintenance. Consistent care is the secret to tender, juicy roots.

Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked roots and tougher texture.
Weeding: Weed carefully by hand around seedlings, as beets have shallow roots that can be easily disturbed.
Fertilizing: If needed, a side-dressing of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or compost tea when roots begin to swell can be beneficial.

Harvesting and Storing Your Crop

You can begin harvesting beet greens early, but for roots, patience pays off.

For Roots: Harvest when they are between 1 and 3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and tenderness. You can leave them in the ground longer in the fall, as a light frost sweetens them.
For Greens: Snip a few outer leaves from each plant while roots are developing, but never take more than one-third of the foliage at once.
Storage: Twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding. Store roots in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper or a root cellar. They can last for several months.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with good timing, a few issues can pop up. Here’s how to handle them:

Slow Germination: This is often due to cold soil. Using a row cover can warm the soil and speed things up in early spring.
Small or No Roots: Usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or excessive heat.
Leaf Miners or Flea Beetles: Use floating row covers as a barrier immediately after planting to protect seedlings.
Woody or Bitter Flavor: This is typically a result of hot weather, drought stress, or letting the roots grow too large before harvesting.

FAQ: Planting Beets in Zone 7

Can I start beets indoors for an earlier crop?

It’s possible but not generally recommended, as beets have delicate taproots that don’t transplant well. Direct seeding is the most reliable method. If you do start indoors, use biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance.

What is the latest date I can plant beets in zone 7?

For a fall harvest, aim to get seeds in the ground by early to mid-September at the latest. This gives them enough time to mature before hard freezes arrive, which can damage the roots.

Can beets survive a frost in zone 7?

Yes! Beet seedlings and mature plants can handle light frosts. In fact, a couple of light frosts in the fall will make the roots taste even sweeter. However, a hard freeze (below 28°F for an extended time) can damage them, so its best to harvest before sustained freezing weather.

Why are my beet leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can indicate a few issues: overwatering, poor drainage, a nutrient deficiency (like nitrogen), or a pest problem. Check soil moisture first and ensure your plants are getting adequate nutrition.

How often should I fertilize my beet plants?

If you prepared your soil with compost at planting, little additional fertilizer is needed. A single mid-season side-dressing with a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like bone meal) when roots start to form is often sufficient for a healthy crop.

By following this zone 7 schedule and tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting homegrown beets that are perfect for roasting, pickling, or adding fresh to salads. Remember, the perfect timing for planting makes all the difference between a good harvest and a great one.