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When to Plant Beets in Franklin County, TX

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.

Franklin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.

At an elevation of 324 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam 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.

Franklin County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
238 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
238 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Beets Planting Timeline — Franklin County, TX

Beets Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – May 27
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

238 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, TX?

Franklin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, TX?

Franklin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 8b). 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 Franklin County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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