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When to plant Beets in Chaffee County, CO

Plant Beets in Chaffee County after June 16; the prime window is June 2–June 23. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Chaffee County, CO

Beets

Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.

At an elevation of 7,788 feet, Chaffee County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Beets successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Chaffee County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
83 days
Last Spring Frost June 16
83 growing days
First Fall Frost September 7

Chaffee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Beets

Beets needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Beets Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Chaffee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Beets Planting Timeline — Chaffee County, CO

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 23
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 25
Fall Sowing June 29 Jun 29 – Jul 13

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

83 days in Chaffee County

Growing Tips for Chaffee County

Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Pole Beans
  • Mustard Greens

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Beets Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd-year seeds. Rub stalks to free clusters.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Beets in Chaffee County, CO?

Chaffee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chaffee County, CO?

Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.

When should I plant Beets in Chaffee County, CO?

In Chaffee County, CO, plant Beets after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chaffee County, CO for Beets?

Chaffee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Chaffee County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Chaffee County's temperate climate. Chaffee County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.

🌱

Your Chaffee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chaffee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Chaffee County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.