About Beets
Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can thrive in a variety of garden settings. They are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and offer a range of health benefits.
Beets belong to the same family as spinach and chard, and they produce both edible roots and greens. The roots come in different colors, such as red, yellow, white, and striped, and they have a sweet and earthy flavor.
The greens are also edible and can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. Beets are rich in antioxidants, fiber, folate, iron, and vitamin C, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Where to Buy Beet Seeds (Top 3 Picks)
Grow Heirloom Beets – Plant Crosby Egyptian Beet SeedsOne of the best on the market, Cr… [More]
Grow Heirloom Beets – Plant Early Wonder Beet SeedsAs its name implies, the “Early Wond… [More]
Grow Heirloom Beets – Plant Crosby Egyptian Beet SeedsOne of the best on the market, Cr… [More]
When to Plant Beets from Seed
The best time to plant beets depends on your climate and your desired harvest.
In cooler areas, you can plant beets about one month before the last spring frost, when the soil temperature reaches at least 50°F. You can also plant a late crop in the summer or early fall, as long as you leave at least one month before the first expected frost.
Beets can be harvested until the ground freezes.
In warmer areas, you can plant beets in the fall or winter, when the temperature is mild and the soil is moist. You can also plant beets in early spring, but avoid planting them in late spring or summer when the temperature is too hot and dry. Beets can be harvested year-round in mild climates.
Beet Seeds Germination Instructions
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This will help soften the seed coat and speed up germination.
- Drain the seeds and place them on a damp paper towel. Fold the paper towel over the seeds and put them in a ziplock bag or a plastic container with a lid.
- Place the bag or container in a warm and dark place, such as a kitchen cabinet or a closet. Check the seeds daily and moisten the paper towel if it dries out.
- After 3 to 5 days, you should see tiny sprouts emerging from the seeds. Some seeds may take longer than others, so be patient and keep checking until most of them have sprouted.
- Once the seeds have sprouted, you can plant them in your garden or in pots. Make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were on the paper towel, about 1/4 inch deep. Space them about 3 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
- Water the seeds well after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy. You should see seedlings emerge in 5 to 10 days. Thin them to 4 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.
- Enjoy your fresh and delicious beets in about 50 to 60 days after planting!
Best Soil & Container For Beets
Beets prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. You can test your soil pH with a simple kit or meter and adjust it if needed.
Beets grow best in well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy sand are ideal soil types for growing beets.
Choose a container that is at least 10 inches deep and 12 inches wide, with drainage holes at the bottom.
You can use clay pots, plastic pots, or raised beds, as long as they are lightweight and easy to move.
Temperature & Light Requirements For Beets
Beets need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially during hot weather.
Beets are a cool-season crop, which means they prefer temperatures between 50°F and 75°F.
They can tolerate some frost and near-freezing temperatures, but they do not like hot weather or dry conditions.
If the temperature is too high, the roots may become tough and woody, and the greens may bolt or turn bitter.
Common Pests & Diseases for Beets Plant
Pests
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking bugs that can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. They also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and fungal diseases. To control aphids, you can spray your plants with a strong jet of water, release beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the stems of young plants at night, cutting them off at the soil level. To prevent cutworms, you can place cardboard collars around the base of your plants, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around them, or handpick them at night.
- Flea beetles: These are tiny, black beetles that jump when disturbed. They chew small holes in the leaves of beets, reducing their photosynthesis and vigor. To deter flea beetles, you can cover your plants with row covers, interplant them with aromatic herbs like basil and mint, or use pyrethrin-based sprays.
- Leafminers: These are larvae of flies that tunnel inside the leaves of beets, creating white or brown trails. They can reduce the quality and quantity of your leaf harvest. To control leafminers, you can remove and destroy infested leaves.
Diseases
- Cercospora leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, grayish-brown spots on the leaves. The spots may coalesce and kill large areas of leaf tissue. To prevent cercospora leaf spot, you can practice crop rotation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant debris. To treat it, you can use fungicides like copper or sulfur.
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown patches on the upper surface of the leaves and white or gray fuzz on the lower surface. It thrives in humid and cool conditions.
FAQs
How many beets grow from one seed?
The number of beets that grow from one seed cluster can vary from one to six. On average, one can expect to harvest about three beets per seed cluster.
How far apart to plant beet seeds?
Beet seeds are usually planted about 1 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Thinning the seedlings to 4 inches apart will allow the roots to grow larger and prevent crowding.
When to plant beet seeds for fall harvest?
Beet seeds can be planted in late summer or early fall for a fall harvest.
