Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Beets are grown mostly for the roots, but beet greens continue to gain popularity in North America. Beets are ideal for spring and fall production.
Temperature
Beets, which are tolerant to frost, thrive in cooler temperatures, between 50 and 65°F, which helps them develop optimal color and quality. Beet seeds germinate best at soil temperatures of 50 to 85°F but can still sprout between 40 and 95°F. In spring, seeds can be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. For a fall harvest, sow beets 8 to 10 weeks ahead of the first frost.
Spacing
Sow beet seeds in rows spaced 12–24 inches apart, planting each seed 2 to 4 inches apart at a depth of ½ to 1 inch. For smaller, "baby" beets, which are often used in whole-pack or pickling, rows can be spaced closer, at 10–15 inches, with approximately 30 plants per foot of row.
Soil
Beets grow best in deep, well-drained, loose soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8, although they can tolerate levels up to 7.6. Avoid heavy clay soils or those that form a crust after rain, as these conditions can hinder growth. A sandy loam is ideal for early plantings, while heavier soils can work well later in the season. Soil rich in organic matter helps maintain consistent moisture, which is essential for high-quality beets. Regular crop rotation helps reduce the likelihood of root rot and damping-off diseases.
Harvest
Table beets typically mature in 50 to 75 days after planting. They’re usually harvested when they reach a size of 1½ to 3 inches in diameter for market sales. Beet tops can also be harvested as greens and handled like spinach or Swiss chard. For bunching beets, roots are pulled from the soil by their tops and undercut, while larger-acreage harvests may involve machine digging with a modified potato digger after removing the tops.
Storage
Before storing, beets should be topped, cleaned of soil, and sorted to remove any damaged or diseased roots. For long-term storage, keep beets at 32°F with 98–100% humidity. For shorter cellar storage, maintain temperatures below 45°F.
For more information, please see links below:
- Rutgers University - Beet Production
- University of California - Beet Production
- Oregon State - Beets and Chard
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