Root Vegetable

When to Plant Beets in Arizona

Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.

The Short Answer

In Arizona, soil conditions are an important factor for beets. Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Beets can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Arizona Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arizona you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 15 - Oct 10
Central Arizona (Phoenix) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 1 - Dec 20
Southern Arizona (Tucson) 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 1 - Feb 25 Nov 20 - Dec 15

Beets Planting Schedule for Arizona

Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 10

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Arizona (Phoenix) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern Arizona (Tucson) (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 25 · Average first frost: Nov 20 - Dec 15

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Beets in Arizona

Beets in Arizona's Climate

Grow beets from October through January. The window is short but productive. Sandy subtropical soils grow beets with compost for nutrients. Heat causes tough, woody roots — don't attempt summer production.

Soil Considerations for Arizona

Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Arizona Climate & Growing Season

Extreme heat in summer lowlands. Two planting seasons in Phoenix — spring and fall (summer is too hot). High elevation has traditional cold-climate seasons. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arizona's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Arizona: Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Arizona (Tucson) (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 25. 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:

Onions Lettuce Cabbage Broccoli

Keep beets away from:

Pole Beans

The Bottom Line

Beets can be grown successfully across Arizona, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Arizona (Tucson) can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Beets Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arizona Planting Calendar All plants for Arizona Beets in Alabama Alabama planting dates Beets in Alaska Alaska planting dates Beets in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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