Beets
Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Hardiness
Annual
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting and Care
Sow outdoors 2-3 before last expected frost; sow seeds .5 -1 inch deep, 2-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart, thin to 6-12 inch spacing. Successive plant thru late summer. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Beets perform best in cool weather in soil that is both well weeded and has consistent moisture. Harvest both the roots & the foliage.
Problems
Aphids, leafminers, leaf spot, downy mildew
Varieties to Consider
'Ruby Queen' AAS winner, round, uniform shape
'Sweetheart' - foliage great for greens, very sweet roots
'Red Ace' - early variety, heat tolerant, sweet flavor
'Golden' - early golden variety, sweet flavor
Harvesting
Dig or pull beets when the root is full size. Proper thinning and well-drained soil are important for proper root development. Roots will develop rapidly and should be harvested before they become larger than 3 inches in diameter to avoid becoming tough.
