When to Plant Beets in Kansas
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
Kansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Kansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kansas | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Kansas | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Kansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Beets Planting Schedule for Kansas
Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Beets in Kansas
Beets in Kansas's Climate
Beets are a reliable three-season crop in your climate. Direct sow from early spring through mid-July, plus a fall planting in August. They handle your clay soils better than most root vegetables. Fall beets sweetened by frost are the highlight — the cold converts starches to sugars for noticeably better flavor.
Soil Considerations for Kansas
Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Kansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Kansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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