Beet & Beetroot : Sugar Beet

Livestock feed, large yields, up to 5 lbs each

Sugar beets are a natural source of sugar and where most of the sugar industry derives its sugar from these days. Beets are up to 1 foot long and can weigh from 3-5 pounds. That means you need to thin them to make sure they have enough room to grow. Very frost tolerant. Tops can grow 1-2' tall. Beet tops can be eaten, lightly grazed or fed to animals.

Amaranthaceae Beta vulgaris

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Beet & Beetroot: Long

Sugar Beet

These Long Beets store well are easier to slice. They are a fast growing crop under good growing conditions. Fodder beets are significantly larger than other beet varieties.

Long Beets don't need to be sown at deeper depth, but they will need good deep soil compared to Round Red or Specialty varieties. If a hard bedrock is close to your topsoil consider a shorter type of beet.

Basics

Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Biennial
Days to Maturity: 90-100 (Spring/Summer), 90-120 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Hardy

Beets can be frost tolerant and are a good winter crop for milder areas. Beets are hardy, and can be grown year-round under the proper circumstances.
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: - "
Plant Height: 8.0 - 12.0"
Plant Diameter: 2.0 - 3.0"
Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Disease Resistance: -
Taste Profile: Great pickled.
Rotation Group: Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae

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Plant Guide

Beet & Beetroot : Sugar Beet

Livestock feed, large yields, up to 5 lbs each

Sugar Beet

Basics