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When to plant Beets in Peoria County, IL

Plant Beets in Peoria County from April 9 to April 30 in spring. Peoria County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 23 and first frost on October 12. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Peoria 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.

Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.

At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.

Peoria County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
172 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
172 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Peoria County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Peoria County, IL

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

172 days in Peoria County

Growing Tips for Peoria 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 Peoria County, IL?

Peoria County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Peoria County, IL?

Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Beets in Peoria County, IL?

In Peoria County, IL, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Peoria County, IL for Beets?

Peoria County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Beets grow in Peoria County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Peoria County's temperate climate. Peoria County averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Peoria County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Peoria County (Zone 6a). 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 Peoria County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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