Beets are a staple of the home garden. They offer a double reward for your efforts. You get earthy, sweet roots and nutritious, leafy greens. Many gardeners find beets to be one of the most reliable crops to grow. They are hardy, versatile, and relatively fast to mature. Whether you want to pickle them, roast them, or shave them into a fresh salad, knowing how to grow a beet properly ensures a high-quality harvest. This guide covers everything from soil preparation to the final pull.
Understanding the Beet
Beets are cool-season vegetables. They belong to the Chenopodiaceous family, which includes spinach and Swiss chard. While we often think of them as deep red globes, beets come in many varieties. You can find golden, striped, and even white versions. Most varieties take between 50 and 70 days to reach maturity. Because they are biennial plants grown as annuals, they thrive in the mild temperatures of spring and fall.
Selecting the Right Variety
Before you dig your first hole, choose a variety that fits your needs. Some beets are bred specifically for their large, uniform roots. Others are celebrated for their lush, flavorful greens.
- Detroit Dark Red: This is the classic heirloom. It produces deep red, globular roots. It is excellent for canning and fresh eating.
- Chioggia: This Italian heirloom features beautiful red and white internal rings. It adds a visual “wow” factor to raw dishes.
- Golden Boy: If you dislike the “earthy” taste of red beets, golden varieties are milder and sweeter. They also do not stain your hands or kitchen counters.
- Bull’s Blood: This variety is famous for its dark purple foliage. It is often grown primarily for its delicious salad greens.
Soil Preparation and Site Selection
The success of your beet crop depends heavily on the soil. Beets need loose, well-draining soil to expand their roots. If the soil is too rocky or compacted, the roots will become stunted or misshapen.
Choose a spot that receives full sun. This means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Beets can tolerate partial shade, but their roots will grow much slower.
Prepare the bed by tilling the soil to a depth of about 10 inches. Remove any large rocks or debris. Beets prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, the beets may struggle to take up nutrients. Mix in plenty of aged compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid fresh manure, as the high nitrogen content can encourage lush leaves while leaving the roots small and hairy.
Planting Your Beets
Beets can be sown as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. For a fall crop, plant them about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost.
Each beet “seed” is actually a small cluster of several seeds. This is an important detail to remember. It means that for every seed you plant, several seedlings will likely emerge.
- Soak the Seeds: To speed up germination, soak your beet seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
- Sowing Depth: Plant the seeds about half an inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds about one to two inches apart in rows. Keep the rows at least 12 inches apart to allow for easy weeding.
- Watering: Water the soil gently but thoroughly immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Thinning for Growth
Thinning is the most critical step in learning how to grow a beet. Because each seed pod contains multiple seeds, the seedlings will grow in tight clumps. If you do not thin them, they will crowd each other out. None of the roots will have room to expand.
When the seedlings reach about three inches in height, it is time to thin. Snip the smaller plants at the soil level using scissors. This prevents disturbing the roots of the remaining plants. Aim for a final spacing of three to four inches between each beet. Do not throw away your thinnings. These tiny greens are incredibly tender and delicious in salads.
Care and Maintenance
Beets are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require consistent care to prevent woodiness.
Watering
Beets need consistent moisture to grow rapidly. If the soil dries out completely, the roots may become tough and fibrous. Aim for about one inch of water per week. In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently. Mulching with straw or shredded leaves can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Weeding
Weeds compete with beets for nutrients and water. Because beets have shallow roots, be careful when weeding by hand or with a hoe. Avoid digging too deep near the base of the plant. A thick layer of mulch can also help suppress weed growth.
Fertilizing
If you prepared your soil with compost, you might not need extra fertilizer. However, a balanced organic fertilizer can be applied mid-season if growth seems slow. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage at the expense of the root.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Beets are generally hardy, but they can face a few challenges.
- Leaf Miners: These larvae tunnel through the leaves, creating translucent “trails.” You can protect your crop by using floating row covers or by removing affected leaves immediately.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small circular spots with purple margins. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Boron Deficiency: If the internal flesh of your beet has black spots or “corking,” your soil may lack boron. A very dilute solution of borax and water can fix this, but use it sparingly.
Harvesting Your Beets
You can harvest beets at almost any stage. Young “baby” beets are usually ready about 40 days after planting. These are incredibly sweet and tender.
For full-sized roots, wait until they are about the size of a golf ball or a tennis ball. Most gardeners prefer the flavor of beets when they are between two and three inches in diameter. If you let them grow much larger, they can become woody and lose their sweetness.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork. Pull the beet by the base of the greens. Twist off the leaves instead of cutting them to prevent “bleeding” of the red juice. Leave about an inch of the stem attached to the root.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are my beets not forming bulbs? The most common reasons are overcrowding or high nitrogen levels. If you did not thin your seedlings, the roots will not have room to expand. Additionally, too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth but inhibits root development.
- Can I grow beets in containers? Yes, beets grow well in containers. Ensure your pot is at least 10 inches deep. Space the seeds as you would in the ground. Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.
- How long do beets stay fresh after harvest? If you remove the greens and store the roots in a cool, humid environment (like a root cellar or a refrigerator crisper drawer), they can last for several months. Keep the greens separately, as they will only last for a few days.
- Are beet greens edible? Absolutely. Beet greens are highly nutritious and taste similar to Swiss chard. You can sauté them with garlic and olive oil or add them to soups and stews.
- How do I know when to plant beets in my area? Beets should be planted when soil temperatures reach at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your local frost dates. Plant in early spring or late summer for the best results.