When to plant beets in San Antonio, Texas

January 28 – February 11

Direct-sow outdoors · typical San Antonio year

Climate basis: NOAA station San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX (USC00417947), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown San Antonio (ZCTA 78205 centroid), elevation 700 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow beets from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (February 25). One year in ten still freezes after March 19.

Last spring freezeFebruary 251-in-10 after Mar 19
First fall freezeNovember 281-in-10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season277 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 5Dec 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low not frost timing

The San Antonio year

Direct-sow outdoorsJan 28 – Feb 11
Fall plantingOct 3 – Oct 31
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 19
Beets in San Antonio · freeze context from San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Jan 28 – Feb 11

Purdue: semi-hardy — 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Penn State sows from Apr 1 (−30) and UNH keys to 45°F soil; the later Purdue range is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Feb 25). Purdue University Extension · Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · University of New Hampshire Extension

Fall planting

Oct 3 – Oct 31

Purdue Table 2: plant fall beets at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost, allowing for days to maturity. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 28). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average round variety (about 55–70 days; Penn State lists 70).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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