Alabama · Garden vegetables

Beet season in Alabama

Typically early November to late April, with peak early December through mid-March.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

A cool-season crop pulled from late fall into spring.

At a glance

Early

From early November — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

early December through mid-March — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late April — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 26 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Beets

Look: Choose firm, round roots with smooth skin and bright, unwilted greens still attached.
Feel: Roots should feel hard all over with no soft spots, and the thin taproot tail should still be intact.
Smell: A clean, earthy smell is right — mustiness means the roots sat in storage too long.
Tip: Fresh tops are your freshness gauge — and they cook like chard, so take them home too.
Keeps: Twist off the tops and fridge roots in a bag — they hold two to three weeks or more.

Chasing the season?

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The whole national sweep · everything in season in Alabama

Frequently asked questions

When is beet season in Alabama?

In Alabama, the beet season typically runs early November to late April, with peak availability early December through mid-March. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own beets in Alabama?

Dig-your-own beets are uncommon — look for firm bunches with fresh tops at farmers markets. The best market weeks are early December through mid-March.

How long does beet season last in Alabama?

about 26 weeks end to end — early November to late April. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.