When to Plant Beet in Kentucky
Direct Sow Outdoors
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
State
Kentucky
USDA Zones
6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Avg Last Frost
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Cities Covered
783
Kentucky Planting Schedule by Zone
Kentucky spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
| 6b | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, February 22, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Beet
🤝 Companion Plants for Beet
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Growing Beet in Kentucky: Complete Guide
Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Kentucky, the right time to direct sow is around Wednesday, March 4, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Kentucky stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 55 days to maturity, Beet fits comfortably within Kentucky's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Beet requires full sun to partial shade and regular (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Kentucky receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Kentucky.
Growing Beet in Kentucky: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Kentucky gardeners.
Fall through spring is prime season
Plant September–February in Zones 7–9 for harvest November–May; beets mature faster in the South's mild winters than in any other season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beet in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, direct sow Beet outdoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Kentucky spans zones 6a–7b, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Kentucky?
Kentucky spans 4 USDA zones (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), so last frost dates vary by region. Newport, Mazie (6a) sees frost until around Monday, April 20, 2026, while Frakes, Almo, Columbus (7b) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Beet take to grow in Kentucky?
Beet takes about 55 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Kentucky's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Kentucky cover for Beet?
Kentucky includes zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Beet grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.