When to plant beets in The Dalles, OR

Plant beets from seed, directly in the garden in The Dalles, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 6–20.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

The Dalles's typical last spring frost is April 11. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 1 – May 27, 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 6–20 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 The Dalles, OR?

Typically April 11. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for The Dalles Municipal Airport (Dallesport, WA).

Is it too late to plant beets in The Dalles?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 6 to August 20.

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.