I am still out here planting seeds on a weekly basis, and December is a surprisingly generous month for planting. Beets are one of the best crops to keep planting right now. Beets thrive in cool weather, tolerate frost, and actually become sweeter when grown through winter. December planting allows them to establish strong roots slowly while pest pressure stays low and soil temperatures remain ideal. In this season’s garden, beets are being direct sown and protected lightly with mulch and row covers. Growth may be slower above ground, but underground development continues steadily—setting the stage for flavorful roots and tender greens from late winter into early spring. Beets are a classic cool-season crop. They germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F and grow best when air temperatures stay between 50–70°F.
In Zone 8, beets can be direct sown throughout December as long as the soil is workable and not frozen. Planting in succession every 1–2 weeks ensures a steady harvest window from late winter into early spring. Avoid planting just before a hard freeze. Instead, time sowing during mild weather stretches and protect seedlings as temperatures fluctuate. Because I plant in pots, I don't have a issue in this department.
How to Plant Beets for Winter Success
1. Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Beets tolerate partial shade in winter but perform best with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight.
2. Soil Preparation
Loosen soil to a depth of 8–10 inches. Amend with compost to improve structure and drainage. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of root development.
3. Seed Sowing
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Plant seeds ½ inch deep
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Space seeds 1–2 inches apart
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Rows should be 12 inches apart
Beet “seeds” are actually clusters, so thinning will be necessary once seedlings emerge.
Watering and Care During Winter
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Winter evaporation is slower, so overwatering can lead to rot. Mulching with straw or shredded leaves helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Once seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin them to 3–4 inches apart to allow roots to develop fully, thinned greens are edible and excellent in salads or sautés.
Frost Protection Tips
While beets tolerate frost well, young seedlings benefit from protection during sudden cold snaps.
Effective protection methods include:
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Row covers or frost cloth
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Cold frames
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Heavy mulch around plants
In Zone 8, these measures are usually enough to carry beets safely through winter.
Harvesting Winter Beets
Beets planted in December typically mature more slowly, reaching harvest size in 55–75 days depending on variety and weather. Roots can be harvested when they are 1½–3 inches in diameter.
Greens may be harvested earlier and continuously, provided you leave enough foliage for root development.
One of the advantages of winter-grown beets is flexibility—they can remain in the ground longer without becoming woody, especially under mulch.
Best Beet Varieties for Winter Growing
For December planting in Zone 8, choose cold-tolerant varieties such as:
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Detroit Dark Red
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Chioggia
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Bull’s Blood
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Cylindra
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Golden Beets
These varieties perform well in cool soil and develop excellent flavor during winter growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping thinning, which leads to undersized roots
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Overwatering in cool conditions
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Planting in compacted soil
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Expecting rapid growth during winter months
Patience is key when growing beets in December.
Final Thoughts
Growing beets in December in Zone 8 is not about pushing the season—it is about working with it. Winter planting allows beets to establish strong roots, develop superior flavor, and provide early harvests when many gardens are still waking up.
Check out our videos on beets and see exactly how they’re planted, protected, and grown through the winter months.
Remember: Winter gardening is about patience, intention, and working with the season—not against it.