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Can You Grow Beets in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Beets grow well here as a cool-season crop — plant in spring or late summer for fall harvest.

Plant zones

2a–10a

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

50–70 days

When to plant Beetses in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

May 27 – Jun 16

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Beets

Beets are versatile and cold-tolerant — producing both edible roots and nutritious greens.

Direct sow in early spring — beet seeds are clusters so thin to one plant per cluster. Harvest roots at golf-ball size for best flavour. Greens are edible at any stage.

Full beets growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.