When to Plant Beets in Alaska
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
Alaska Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Alaska | 1a, 2a, 2b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Aug 20 - Sep 10 |
| Southcentral Alaska | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Southeast Alaska | 5a, 5b, 6a | Apr 15 - May 5 | Sep 25 - Oct 15 |
Beets Planting Schedule for Alaska
Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15
Growing Beets in Alaska
Beets in Alaska's Climate
Beets grow beautifully in cold climates. Direct sow from mid-April — they germinate in soil as cool as 40°F. Fall beets from a July-August sowing taste sweeter after frost exposure. They tolerate clay soil better than carrots, making them the more practical root crop for gardeners without raised beds. Beets store for months in a root cellar.
Soil Considerations for Alaska
Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Alaska Climate & Growing Season
Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Alaska's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for beets — but beets handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Each beet 'seed' is actually a cluster — thin to one plant after sprouting. Harvest at 1.5-3 inches for tender roots.
Companion Planting
Plant beets alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep beets away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026