How to Grow Beets

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are a versatile and nutrient-packed root vegetable that has gained popularity in home gardens due to their health benefits, unique flavor, and vibrant color. Known for their rich, earthy taste and deep crimson hue, beets are more than just a colorful addition to your plate, they're a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with vitamins like A, C, and several B vitamins, beets are also a great source of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, they're rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nitrates, which are believed to support heart health and athletic performance.

Beets come in several varieties, each with its own distinct flavor profile and appearance. From traditional red beets to golden beets and even striped varieties like Chioggia, there's a beet for every garden and palate. Whether roasted, boiled, or grated raw into salads, beets can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways.

The good news for gardeners is that beets are not only nutritious but also relatively easy to grow, especially if you follow the proper steps for planting and care. Growing beets from seed is an accessible and rewarding experience, even for beginner gardeners. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about growing beets, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your delicious crop.

Why Grow Beets?

Beets are an excellent choice for home gardeners for several reasons:

• Nutrient Density: Beets are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Whether you want to eat the roots or the beet greens, both parts of the plant are edible and highly nutritious.
• Easy to Grow: Beets are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types. They grow quickly compared to many other root vegetables, and their colorful appearance adds an aesthetic charm to any garden.
• Cold-Hardy: Beets are a cool-season crop that can be planted early in the spring or in the fall for a second harvest. They can tolerate light frost, which helps extend the growing season, making them an excellent option for gardeners in temperate or short growing seasons.
• Space-Efficient: Beets don't require a lot of space to grow, making them ideal for small gardens, raised beds, or even container gardening. You can grow multiple beet plants in a small area, making them perfect for urban gardeners.
• Multiple Harvests: Beets are versatile in the kitchen and can be harvested for both their roots and their greens. You can harvest the greens as baby leaves or let the roots grow larger for full-sized beets, providing multiple ways to enjoy your harvest.

Types of Beets

Beets come in several varieties, each with its own unique appearance and flavor profile. Some of the most popular beet varieties include:

• Red Beets: The classic beet variety, red beets have a deep, earthy flavor and vibrant red roots. Varieties like 'Detroit Dark Red' and 'Early Wonder' are common and widely grown for their consistency and strong flavor.
• Golden Beets: Golden beets have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red beets, with bright golden-orange roots. They are less likely to "bleed" when cut, making them a great option for salads and dishes that require clean, vibrant colors.
• Chioggia Beets: Known for their striking pink and white concentric rings when sliced, Chioggia beets (also known as candy-striped beets) are a beautiful and unique variety that adds visual interest to salads and other dishes.
• Bull's Blood Beets: This variety has deep red leaves and dark red roots, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to grow both edible greens and flavorful roots. The beet greens of Bull's Blood beets are also highly prized for their tender, slightly sweet flavor.
• Cylindra Beets: Unlike round beets, Cylindra beets are long and cylindrical, making them easier to slice and store. They have a mild flavor and smooth texture, and they're particularly good for roasting or pickling.

How to How to Grow Beets

Beets are relatively easy to grow from seed, but there are a few tips and techniques to keep in mind to ensure a successful harvest. Here's a step-by-step guide to growing beets from seed:

1. Selecting Beet Seeds

Choosing the right beet variety for your garden is the first step toward a successful harvest. Consider the following factors when selecting your beet seeds:

• Flavor: While all beets have a somewhat earthy flavor, some varieties (like golden beets) are sweeter and milder than traditional red beets. Choose based on your taste preferences.
• Size and Shape: If you're growing beets for their roots, look for round varieties like 'Detroit Dark Red' or elongated types like 'Cylindra' if you have limited space. For greens, consider varieties like 'Bull's Blood,' which offer both edible greens and roots.
• Harvest Time: Some varieties of beets mature faster than others. If you're looking for an early crop, choose a fast-maturing variety like 'Early Wonder.' For fall planting, opt for varieties that handle cooler temperatures well.

2. When to Plant Beet Seeds

Beets are a cool-season crop that grows best in moderate temperatures. Timing your planting is crucial to ensure a successful harvest:

• Spring Planting: Beets can be direct-seeded outdoors as early as 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Since beets thrive in cooler temperatures (50°F to 75°F), it's ideal to plant them as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.
• Fall Planting: For a fall harvest, you can plant beets in mid-to-late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. Beets prefer cooler weather, so they can tolerate light frosts, which may even enhance their sweetness.
• Indoor Starting: If you have a short growing season or want to get a jumpstart on your beet crop, you can start beet seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them into the garden once the soil is warm enough.

3. Preparing the Soil for Beets

Beets thrive in loose, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Soil preparation is key to growing healthy, flavorful beets:

• Location: Beets need full sun for at least 6 hours a day, so choose a sunny spot in your garden. Beets also prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, so consider amending your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
• Soil Quality: Beets grow best in loose, fertile soil that allows their roots to develop fully. Avoid heavy clay soil, as it can cause the roots to become stunted or misshapen. If your soil is heavy, mix in sand, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage.
• Soil Preparation: Rake the soil to break up any large clumps and create a fine, crumbly texture. Beets grow best in soil that is free of rocks, which can cause the roots to split or deform.

4. Planting Beet Seeds

Planting beets is straightforward, but proper technique can make a big difference in your harvest:

• Sowing Depth: Beet seeds should be planted about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Space the seeds about 2-3 inches apart in rows, and leave at least 12-18 inches between rows. Beets don't require deep planting, as they are relatively shallow-rooted plants.
• Thin the Seedlings: After the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have grown to a few inches tall, thin them out to about 3-4 inches apart. Thinning allows the remaining plants room to develop healthy, full-sized roots. 
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the seedlings to keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or grass clippings are ideal.

5. Caring for Beets

Beets are relatively low-maintenance, but they still require some care to thrive:

• Watering: Beets need consistent moisture to grow properly, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Watering deeply and evenly will encourage strong root growth. Irregular watering can cause the roots to become woody or misshapen. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the leaves.
• Fertilizing: Beets are heavy feeders, so it's important to provide them with a nutrient-rich environment. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost to fertilize the soil about once a month. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth and less root development.
• Weeding: Keep the area around your beets weed-free. Weeds compete with beet plants for nutrients and water, slowing their growth. Use mulch and manual weeding to keep weeds at bay.

6. Pest Control and Disease Management

Beets are relatively resistant to pests, but they can still face some challenges:

• Common Pests: Beets may attract aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots. To control aphids, try spraying with a mixture of water and soap or using neem oil. For flea beetles, row covers can help keep them away. Root maggots can be prevented by using floating row covers during the early stages of growth.
• Diseases: Beets are susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew and rust. Ensure good air circulation around your plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues. If mildew appears, remove affected leaves and treat with organic fungicides.

7. Harvesting Beets

Beets are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. You can harvest the roots when they are 1-2 inches in diameter for baby beets, or allow them to grow larger for a full-sized crop. 

• Root Harvesting: Harvest beets by gently pulling them from the soil, using a garden fork if necessary to avoid damaging the roots. Once harvested, trim off the beet greens, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the root to prevent bleeding.
• Beet Greens: You can start harvesting beet greens when they are young and tender, typically around 4-6 weeks after sowing. Snip the outer leaves from the plant and leave the center leaves to continue growing. The greens can be used in salads, soups, or sauteed.
• Storage: Fresh beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, beets can be canned, pickled, or stored in a cool, dark place in sand or soil for several months.

Growing beets from seed is a rewarding experience that yields a bountiful harvest of nutritious, flavorful roots and greens. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy fresh beets in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures throughout the growing season. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned grower, beets are an excellent addition to your vegetable garden, offering both aesthetic and culinary value.