In zone 6, sow beets from April 3 to April 17, 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 May 28. For a fall crop, the last sowing date is about August 11.
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 6
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Sow outside | April 3 – April 17 |
| First harvest | May 28 – June 21 |
| Sow for fall by | August 11 |
| Thin seedlings | To 2–3 inches apart when crowded |
| Side-dress | When plants are 4–6 inches tall |
| Harvest | When roots are golf-ball size or larger |
Most of zone 6 sees its last spring frost between April 25 and May 8 (typical May 1) and its first fall frost between October 7 and October 18 (typical October 13). 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 6
In zone 6, beets grow in spring and again in late summer for fall.
- Detroit Dark Red: classic, reliable and good for canning.
- Red Ace, Ruby Queen and Pacemaker II: smooth, uniform roots.
- Chioggia: striped red and white rings, mild flavor.
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 6 beet tips
- Plant spring beets early so they mature before summer heat.
- Sow a fall crop in midsummer, by your last fall sowing date.
- Thin promptly. Each seed cluster sends up several plants; thin to 2–3 inches apart.
- Feed lightly twice: before planting and when plants are 4–6 inches tall.
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 6 in May?
No. You can sow beets until about August 11 for a fall harvest.
When are beets ready to harvest?
About 7–9 weeks after sowing, when the roots are golf-ball size or a bit larger.
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.