How to Grow Beet

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Beet is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Beet is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the beet page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Detroit Dark Red, Classic all-purpose beet (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Chioggia, Candy-striped Italian heirloom (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 10 cm (4 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1.5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+ deep.

Pests & problems

Watch for Leaf miner. In humid regions, Cercospora leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Beet is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant beet where you garden.

See also: Beet in the plant library →

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