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When to plant Beets in Alexander County, IL

The best window to plant Beets in Alexander County, is March 27–April 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 21. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Alexander County, IL

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.

Alexander County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,260 feet, Alexander County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.

Alexander County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Alexander County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — Alexander County, IL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest May 22 May 22 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Alexander County

Growing Tips for Alexander 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 Alexander County, IL?

Alexander County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Alexander County, IL?

Alexander County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Beets in Alexander County, IL?

In Alexander County, IL, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Alexander County, IL for Beets?

Alexander County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Alexander County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Alexander County's temperate climate. Alexander County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Alexander County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alexander County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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