When to Plant Beet in Wisconsin
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, March 14, 2026
State
Wisconsin
USDA Zones
3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Avg Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Cities Covered
752
Wisconsin Planting Schedule by Zone
Wisconsin spans 6 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 3b | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
| 4a | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 |
| 4b | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026 |
| 5a | Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
| 5b | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| 6a | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, March 9, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
🌿 About Beet
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Growing Beet in Wisconsin: Complete Guide
Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Wisconsin, the right time to direct sow is around Saturday, March 14, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Wisconsin stretches across 6 USDA hardiness zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight 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 Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
Growing Beet in Wisconsin: Local Tips
Climate-specific advice for Wisconsin gardeners.
Thinning is the single most important task
Beet "seeds" are actually clusters that produce multiple seedlings; failure to thin to 3–4 inches apart is the most common reason Midwestern gardeners get tiny, forked beets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beet in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, direct sow Beet outdoors around Saturday, March 14, 2026. Wisconsin spans zones 3b–6a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin spans 6 USDA zones (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a), so last frost dates vary by region. Jump River, Edgewater, Wascott (3b) sees frost until around Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while Grafton, Sheboygan, Thiensville (6a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Beet take to grow in Wisconsin?
Beet takes about 55 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Wisconsin's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Wisconsin cover for Beet?
Wisconsin includes zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. 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.