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Beets

Botanical Name
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Hardiness
Annual
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Planting & Care
  • Beets best germinate in temperature between 50 F to 85 F.
  • Sow outdoors 30 days before last expected frost; sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin to 1-3 inch when plants are 4 to 5 inches tall.
  • Cut rather than pull seedling to avoid disturbing surrounding plants. Eat the thinned greens by adding to salads or sandwiches.
  • Successive plant thru late summer.
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Beets perform best and produce better color and flavor 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
  • Ruby Queen - All-America Selections 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
  • Avalanche - AAS winner, creamy white, sweet flavored root that lacks the earthy beety flavor of other varieties, 50 days to maturity

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