When Should You Harvest Beets?
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GardenSays
Beets are ready when roots 1-3 inches across at the shoulder (bulging at the soil line) — in Minneapolis, MN, typically May 27 – Jun 20.
- Ready when
- roots 1-3 inches across at the shoulder (bulging at the soil line)
- Days to maturity
- 50-60
- Est. first harvest
- May 27 – Jun 20
Ready when: roots 1-3 inches across at the shoulder (bulging at the soil line) — smaller beets are more tender. Loosen the soil and lift; the greens are edible too, best young.
- Once harvest season starts, check from day ~50, brush soil off a shoulder to check diameter.
Do this this week
- 1.Watch for the sign: roots 1-3 inches across at the shoulder (bulging at the soil line)
- 2.Check from day ~50, brush soil off a shoulder to check diameter
- 3.Then: trim tops to 1 inch, refrigerate; stores for weeks
Typical estimate · 1 verified source · Checked 2026-07-17 · How we decide
Why
On the calendar: planting on schedule in Minneapolis, MN puts first harvest around May 27 – Jun 20 (our estimate from the typical planting window plus 50-60 days to maturity). Weather, variety and care shift this by weeks — trust the sign above over the date.
Storage: trim tops to 1 inch, refrigerate; stores for weeks.
- Days-to-maturity figures are averages from trial conditions — your season, variety and weather move them, which is why the visual readiness sign is the deciding test.
When this doesn't apply
- If you planted earlier or later than the typical window, shift the estimated dates by the same amount.
How this was calculated
- 1. Planting windowApr 7 – Apr 21Calculated result
Beet goes in on the same schedule the Planting calculator gives for Minneapolis, MN
- 2. Days to maturity50-60 daysSource guidance
50-60 days from seed (University of Maryland Extension — Growing Beets in a Home Garden)
- 3. Estimated first-harvest windowMay 27 – Jun 20GardenSays estimate
Planting window + days to maturity — an estimate; the readiness sign always wins
Data sources
- University of Maryland Extension — Growing Beets in a Home Garden — Direct-sow beets several weeks before the last spring frost through summer, up to 6 weeks before the first fall frost; soil 45-85°F; final spacing 3 inches in all directions; grows well in 4-6 hours of light, tolerates partial shade; 50-60 days from seed; harvest at 1-3 inches diameter; keep uniformly moist. (checked 2026-07-17)
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More harvest timing tools: see all →