Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Easy
- Grown as
- Biennial
- Days to Maturity
- 63-75 (Spring/Summer), 70-90 (Fall/Winter)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Half Hardy
Beets can be frost tolerant and are a good winter crop for milder areas.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- Early
- Growing Conditions
- Cold, Cool
Beets are quite fast growing, taking 50 to 80 days to maturity. They like cool weather and grow best with warm days (60 to 70 F) and cool nights. In most of the United States this means growing them as a spring or fall crop. They grow well enough in warm weather, but the high temperatures can cause the roots to be tough, unevenly colored (zoned), somewhat bitter (or lacking sweetness) and generally of lesser quality.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 50°F - 80°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 50°F
Beets can germinate in cold (40 degree) soil, but they are very slow. They germinate best at 70 degrees.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool)
The plants need full sun for best growth, especially when they are growing as a fall or winter crop.
Part shade (Warm)In very hot climates they may do well in light shade.
- Water
- Moderate
Consistent watering is essential for good root production. Beets grown without sufficient water may have tough, woody roots and show concentric whitish zoning. They may also bolt prematurely. Too much water may result in bushy, luxuriant tops and small roots. Irregular watering may cause splitting.
- Feeder
- Moderate
Beets aren't very hungry plants, though they do like phosphorus and potassium.
- Suitability
- Tolerates light frost, Partial shade, Needs summer shade
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
Beets can be grown in containers, though they aren't as productive as when grown in the ground. You will need a container that is a minimum of 12 inches deep and 8 inches in diameter. Fill the container with either soilless potting mix (compost, perlite and coco-fiber) or a mixture of compost and standard potting soil. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart (do not overcrowd, as this will stunt the root growth.) Water regularly, taking care not to over-saturate the soil. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Lightly fertilize after about 2-3 weeks of growth. Beets are extremely hardy, and can be grown year-round under the proper circumstances.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Rich, dark-red
- Fruit Size
- - 3.5"
- Plant Height
- 8.0 - 10.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 4.0 - 6.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-10
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Chard like greens and sweet, lush beets.
- Rotation Group
- Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae