In zone 5, sow beets from April 10 to April 24, two to four weeks before your last spring frost, once the soil is at least 40 °F. They are ready in about 55–65 days, from around June 4. For a fall crop, the last sowing date is about July 31.
Beet dates for your ZIP code
Planting times based on university extension guidance (UNH, Cornell, Purdue, Minnesota, Nebraska and UMass Extension). Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Beet timing in zone 5
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Sow outside | April 10 – April 24 |
| First harvest | June 4 – June 28 |
| Sow for fall by | July 31 |
| Thin seedlings | To 2–3 inches apart when crowded |
| Sow again | Every 3 weeks into early summer |
| Harvest | When roots are golf-ball size or larger |
Most of zone 5 sees its last spring frost between May 2 and May 17 (typical May 8) and its first fall frost between September 28 and October 7 (typical October 2). Beets tolerate light frost, so they can be sown before your last frost date. The tool above uses the weather station closest to your ZIP code.
Why beets are sown before the last frost
Beets are a cool-season root crop. Their seed sprouts once the soil reaches about 40 °F, and the plants tolerate light frost. They grow best in mild weather, so they are sown two to four weeks before the last spring frost and again in summer for a fall harvest.
Best beet varieties for zone 5
Beets grow well in the cool weather of zone 5. Popular varieties include:
- Detroit Dark Red: the classic round red beet.
- Red Ace, Ruby Queen and Pacemaker II: smooth, uniform red roots.
- Chioggia: an Italian heirloom with red and white rings inside.
How to plant beets
- Loosen the soil 8–10 inches deep. Use raised rows where drainage is poor.
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 1–2 inches apart, in rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Expect seedlings in 7–14 days.
- Thin to 2–3 inches apart when plants get crowded.
- Water well once a week if it doesn’t rain.
Zone 5 beet tips
- Sow early. Beet seed sprouts once the soil reaches about 40 °F.
- Thin, and eat the thinnings. Each beet “seed” is a cluster that sends up 2–6 plants, so thinning is a must. Young tops are good cooked.
- Sow in batches every three weeks for a steady supply.
- Water weekly if it doesn’t rain, so roots stay tender.
Harvesting beets
Beets are ready about 7–9 weeks after sowing, when the roots are golf-ball size or a little larger. Young greens can be cooked along with the roots. Store the roots in plastic bags in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks, and the tops for a day or two.
Beet planting dates in nearby zones
See dates for every zone on the beets planting guide, or build a full schedule with the planting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to plant beets in zone 5 in May?
No. Beets sown in May still mature before your first frost around October 2. Keep sowing until your last fall sowing date, about July 31.
Why do beet seedlings come up in clumps?
Each beet seed is actually a cluster of 2–6 seeds. Thin the seedlings to 2–3 inches apart.
Can beets handle frost?
Yes, light frost. Beets are sown two to four weeks before your last spring frost, once the soil is at least 40 °F.
Why do I have to thin beets?
Each beet seed is a cluster that produces 2–6 plants. Without thinning, the roots stay small.
Can I eat beet greens?
Yes. Young tops are mild and good cooked. Older leaves get large and strong-flavored.
Sources. Planting dates use the median frost dates of each USDA zone, calculated from NOAA climate data for every ZIP code in the zone.