When to plant beets in Spokane, WA

Plant beets from seed, directly in the garden in Spokane, Apr 15 – Jun 10. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 3–17.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Spokane's typical last spring frost is April 26. 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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 15 – Jun 10, ½ inch deep, Thin to 3 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 3–17 for a fall harvest.
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 Spokane, WA?

Typically April 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Spokane International Airport.

Is it too late to plant beets in Spokane?

The spring planting window runs through June 10. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 3 to August 17.

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 Spokane around the same time

Planting dates for beets in nearby areas

Ellensburg, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10

Full planting calendar for Spokane · Beets in every city