Beta vulgaris

Beets

This wholesome vegetable is doubly heart healthy. The sweet, delicious roots contain high levels of glycine betaine. This phytochemical compound fights platelet clots and plaque formation in the arteries. Along with a wealth of potassium, calcium and vitamin A, hearty beet greens are rich in fiber, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Shop Beets

The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 50–75°F
Seed Depth ½"
Seed Spacing 1"
Days to Emergence 5–17
Thin Plants to 3–4"
Row Spacing 12–16"
Fertilizer Needs Medium
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 30–75
Seed Life 2 years

Get the Basics

More About The Seeds & Plants

Key to Beet Disease Resistance and Tolerance

Bacterial Leaf Spot Bacterial disease causing dark, wet spots on leaves.
Cercospora Fungal disease causing leaf spots, yellowing.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

More About

Beta vulgaris

Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.

Culture
• Beets perform best in fertile, evenly moist soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Uniform soil moisture is essential
• Sudden changes in temperature or soil moisture will increase zoning (ring formation in the root) and lead to premature bolting
• Transplanting not recommended as it can damage the tap root

Direct Sowing
• At the bottom of the furrow band 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet
• Cover seeds with sifted compost, loose soil, or vermiculite, and water evenly
• Use row cover when soil temperatures are cool and to protect from pests
• Sow June—August for a fall crop

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Leaf miners, flea beetles, and leaf hoppers
• Insect control: Pick off affected leaves and check for eggs—if found, spray with Pyrethrin
• Common diseases: Scab
• Disease prevention: Neutral pH (7.0), 3-4 year crop rotation, keep adequately watered
• Common pests: Mice, voles, and gophers
• Pest control: Traps or underground screens

Harvest & Storage
• Harvest when roots reach desired size; small roots are tender, large roots may become woody if left in the ground too long
• Loosen the soil around the root and pull gently
• Leaves can be used as pot greens or in salads. Harvest one to two mature leaves per plant, leaving several leaves per plant to enable root development. Leaves will be tough once they are over 6 inches tall
• Trim tops and store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity, separate from the roots

Fall & Winter Harvest
• Beets should be harvested before temperatures drop to the 15-20°F range
• If you are in a temperate climate, and your soil is well drained, your best location for root storage is in the garden under a protective layer of straw, harvesting as needed

KEY TO BEET DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
HR indicates high resistance.
IR indicates intermediate resistance.
BLS | Bacterial Leaf Spot
C | Cercospora