When to Plant Beets in Utah
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
Utah Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Utah you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasatch Front (SLC) | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 20 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 20 |
| Mountain Regions | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 25 - Jun 15 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
| Southern Utah | 6b, 7a, 7b | Apr 10 - May 1 | Oct 10 - Nov 1 |
Beets Planting Schedule for Utah
Wasatch Front (SLC) (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20
Mountain Regions (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Utah (Zones 6b, 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Nov 1
Growing Beets in Utah
Beets in Utah's Climate
Beets are a cool-season root crop in warm climates. Sow from September through February. Your mild winter temperatures produce fast-growing, tender roots. Sandy soils grow decent beets with compost amendment. Harvest at 1.5-3 inches for the most tender texture.
Soil Considerations for Utah
Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost and sulfur needed. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Utah Climate & Growing Season
Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Utah's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Utah: Wasatch Front (SLC) (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah (6b, 7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 1. 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