Rainline Garden

When to plant beets in Ellensburg, WA

Plant beets from seed, directly in the garden in Ellensburg, Apr 15 – Jun 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 29 – Aug 12.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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 15 – Jun 10, 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 29 – Aug 12 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 Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant beets in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through June 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 29 to August 12.

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 Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for beets in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Beets in every city