Home › Beets › Grow in Iowa

Can You Grow Beets in Iowa?

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

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

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

50–70 days

When to plant Beetses in Iowa

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 4 – Jun 24

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.