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When to plant Beets in Rice County, KS

Rice County gardeners should plant Beets between April 2 and April 23 in spring. With Rice County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 16), Beets needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 9 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Beets in Rice County, KS

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.

Rice County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 1,019 feet, Rice County receives approximately 24.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.

Rice County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Rice County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Beets Planting Timeline — Rice County, KS

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jun 25
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 – Aug 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Rice County

Growing Tips for Rice 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 Rice County, KS?

Rice County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rice County, KS?

Rice County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Beets in Rice County, KS?

In Rice County, KS, plant Beets after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rice County, KS for Beets?

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

Can Beets grow in Rice County's climate?

Yes — Beets grows well in Rice County's temperate climate. Rice County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Rice County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rice County (Zone 6b). 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 Rice County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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