When to Plant Beets in Wisconsin
Two crops in one — eat the roots and the greens. Beets are cold-hardy and surprisingly easy.
The Short Answer
Wisconsin Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Wisconsin you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Wisconsin | 3b, 4a | May 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Central Wisconsin | 4a, 4b | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
| Southern Wisconsin | 4b, 5a, 5b | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
Beets Planting Schedule for Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Central Wisconsin (Zones 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Wisconsin (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Growing Beets in Wisconsin
Beets in Wisconsin's Climate
Beets grow beautifully in cold climates. Direct sow from mid-April — they germinate in soil as cool as 40°F. Fall beets from a July-August sowing taste sweeter after frost exposure. They tolerate clay soil better than carrots, making them the more practical root crop for gardeners without raised beds. Beets store for months in a root cellar.
Soil Considerations for Wisconsin
Rich agricultural soils in southern half. Sandy soils in central plain. Heavy clay in some lake regions. Generally fertile. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for beets since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Wisconsin Climate & Growing Season
Cold winters. Warm summers. Lake Michigan moderates eastern climate. Good growing season in south. Short season in north. Beets can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Wisconsin's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Wisconsin: Northern Wisconsin (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Wisconsin (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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