How to grow Beet

Where to plant

Beets need full sun and deep, loose, well drained soil rich in organic matter; sandy soils suit them well, and heavy soils need plenty of compost so the roots can swell. They can be sown once the soil reaches about 40°F (4°C), germinate best at 55 to 75°F and grow best below about 85°F (29°C). Heat above 80°F at sowing cuts germination.

In Florida, UF/IFAS gives the sowing window as August to February in North Florida, September to February in Central Florida and October to January in South Florida. In the Gulf South, Texas, the desert and Southern California, sow in fall through late winter. In the Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic, sow in late winter to spring and again in late summer. In the North, the Midwest, the Mountain West and Alaska, sow in spring and again in midsummer for a fall crop. Sowing every 2 to 3 weeks keeps the harvest coming.

Choosing a variety

Detroit Dark Red is the classic round red beet. Early Wonder and Red Ace are quick and reliable, Cylindra gives long roots that slice evenly, and Chioggia has candy striped flesh. Golden beets do not bleed when cut. Little Ball and other small types suit pots and baby beets.

How to plant

1. Dig the bed deeply and work in compost. Heavy soils need generous amounts so roots are not misshapen.
2. Sow seeds about half an inch to 1 inch deep, about an inch apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
3. Keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings appear, since a crust on the soil stops them coming through.
4. Each beet seed is a cluster that sends up several seedlings. Thin to one plant every 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) when they are a couple of inches tall, and eat the thinnings as greens.
5. Sow small batches every 2 to 3 weeks through the season that suits your region.

Watering and feeding

Water regularly and evenly, ideally with drip irrigation, and mulch around the plants to hold moisture. Utah State notes that swings in soil moisture crack the roots and lower the yield, and water stress in the first six weeks can make the plants bolt.

Work a complete fertilizer or compost into the bed before sowing, and give a light side dressing of nitrogen about six weeks after the seedlings emerge. Too much nitrogen grows big tops at the expense of the roots. Beets also need enough boron; black, sunken spots in the roots usually point to a shortage.

Pruning and care through the year

• Keep weeds out while the seedlings are small, as beets compete poorly. Pull weeds by hand rather than hoeing close to the roots.
• Thin crowded seedlings. Overcrowded beets often fail to form a proper root.
• In hot weather, keep the water steady; heat and drought make the roots woody.
• Rotate beets to a new bed each year to help control leaf spot and root rots.

Harvesting

Roots can be pulled as soon as they size up and are usually mature 60 to 80 days after sowing. Most are best at about 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) across, as bigger roots turn fibrous. Loosen the soil with a fork, pull by the tops and twist off the leaves, leaving an inch of stem so the roots do not bleed. Harvest before hard freezes in cold areas.

Young leaves are good cooked or in salads once they reach about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Trimmed roots keep for 2 to 4 months at about 32°F (0°C) with high humidity, such as a fridge crisper drawer.

Growing in pots

Beets grow well in a pot or trough at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep, with a loose potting mix. Thin to 3 to 4 inches apart and keep the mix evenly moist. Round and baby types are the best choice.