When to Plant Beets in North Carolina

Weather and Soil

• Sunny days with temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for growing beets. The weather in North Carolina ranges from USDA zone 6a in the western mountains to 8a on the coast, a good range for growing beets. Beets are best planted later in spring and earlier in summer in interior areas and earlier in spring and later in summer on the coast. Plant beets earlier if you have sandy loam that it is well drained and warms quickly. If you have a heavier, clay soil, later planting is better.

Seed Germination

• Beet seeds will germinate at soil temperatures between 40 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but they germinate best at temperatures between 50 to 85 F. Plant beet seeds four to six weeks before the average last spring frost where you live and eight to 10 weeks before you expect the first autumn frost.

General Planting Dates

• For most parts of the state, North Carolina State University horticulturalists recommend planting beets from March 15 to April 15 for a spring crop and from July 15 to Aug.15 for a fall crop. As long as the temperature remains under 75 degrees, continue to plant beets every three to four weeks until early summer. Beets take from 55 to 60 days to mature. Pull fall beets before the first hard freeze.

Coastal Planting Dates

• If you live in on the coast, University of North Carolina horticulturalists recommend spring planting from March 1 to April 15 and fall planting from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15.