Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Biennial
Days to Maturity
50-55 (Spring/Summer), 60-75 (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
3.0 - 3.0"
Plant Height
12.0 - 18.0"
Plant Diameter
4.0 - 6.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-10
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Tasty beets especially for pickling or making borscht.

Rotation Group
Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae