Root Vegetable

When to Plant Beets in Nevada

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

The Short Answer

In Nevada, soil conditions are an important factor for beets. Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Beets can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Nevada Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Nevada (Reno) 6b, 7a May 1 - May 20 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Las Vegas 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 5 Nov 10 - Dec 1
Mountain Nevada 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15

Beets Planting Schedule for Nevada

Northern Nevada (Reno) (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

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

Las Vegas (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1

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

Mountain Nevada (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15

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

Growing Beets in Nevada

Beets in Nevada'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 Nevada

Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Nevada Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Extreme heat in summer (Las Vegas). Short season at altitude. Very low humidity. Water conservation critical. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Nevada's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Nevada: Northern Nevada (Reno) (6b, 7a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Mountain Nevada (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 25 - Jun 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:

Onions Lettuce Cabbage Broccoli

Keep beets away from:

Pole Beans

The Bottom Line

Beets can be grown successfully across Nevada, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Nevada (Reno) gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 20 last frost, while those in Mountain Nevada can typically plant later. 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 Nevada Planting Calendar All plants for Nevada Beets in Alabama Alabama planting dates Beets in Alaska Alaska planting dates Beets in Arizona Arizona 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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