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When to plant Beets in Washington County, FL

In Zone 9a (Washington County), direct-sow Beets between February 12 and March 5 for spring, after the March 5 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 25 to October 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Washington County, FL

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.

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Beets may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Beets will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Beets root diseases.

Washington County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.8-5.9

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 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Washington County, FL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 – Mar 5
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 – May 7
Fall Sowing September 25 Sep 25 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, FL?

Washington County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, FL?

Washington County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

When should I plant Beets in Washington County, FL?

In Washington County, FL, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County, FL for Beets?

Washington County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Washington County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 260-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 20.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 9a). 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 Washington County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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