Rainline Garden

When to plant beets in Baker City, OR

Plant beets from seed, directly in the garden in Baker City, Apr 27 – Jun 22. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 7–21.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty
Moderate
Sun
Full sun; tolerates light shade
Spacing
Thin to 3 inches apart
Planting depth
½ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 60 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 27 – Jun 22, ½ inch deep, Thin to 3 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Jul 7–21 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Pull at golf ball to tennis ball size. The greens are edible too.

Varieties that do well here

  • Detroit Dark Red
  • Chioggia
  • Early Wonder

Watch out for

Leaf miners leave pale trails in the leaves. Pick off affected leaves and use row cover.

Each seed cluster sprouts several seedlings; thin to 3 inches apart.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant beets in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 22. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 7 to July 21.

How long until I can harvest beets?

About 60 days after planting. Pull at golf ball to tennis ball size. The greens are edible too.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for beets in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Beets in every city