Melinda Myers

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