Root Vegetable

When to Plant Beets in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Beets grow beautifully on both sides of Washington's Cascades. Western Washington's cool maritime climate produces sweet, tender roots over a long season, and eastern Washington's irrigated volcanic soils grow picture-perfect beets quickly.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Beets Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 20

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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Growing Beets in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western Washington: sow from March through August for successive harvests. Fall-sown beets can be left in the ground under mulch for winter harvest. Eastern Washington: sow from April through July. WSU Extension considers beets one of the most reliable root crops for western Washington.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia, Golden, Cylindra. All varieties produce well in the maritime climate's consistent cool temperatures. WSU provides variety recommendations.

Common Challenges in Washington

Slugs on young seedlings in western WA. Cercospora leaf spot during wet weather. In eastern WA, minimal pest issues in the dry climate. Both regions: remember to thin clusters to one plant.

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 in Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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