Planting Guide for Beets

Beets are easy to grow.

Beets are easy to grow.

While chefs prize beets for their versatility, home gardeners value the vegetable because it is easy to grow. A member of the Chenopodiaceae family of plants, beets provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals. After you harvest beets you can prepare them in all types of dishes including salads, soups and even snacks such as beet chips. The vegetable grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 to 10. Planting and taking care of beets is a fairly straightforward process.


Beets are cool temperature vegetables and take approximately 70 to 90 days to grow from the time of planting. Plant them when daytime temperatures range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive higher temperatures but warmer weather and humidity increases the chances of pest infestations and disease. Freezing temperatures halt the growth of beets but the vegetable can withstand full sun.

Best Varieties for Home Gardeners

Several beet cultivars popular among home gardeners fare well in a Mediterranean climate. The “Ruby Queen” is a tender sweet vegetable that takes 60 days to grow. The “Early Wonder” only takes 52 days to grow, is dark red and shaped like a flattened globe. “Crosby’s Egyptian” beets take 56 days to grow and have glossy green tops that are great for greens.

Planting and Soil

Garden shops sell all types of beet seeds, from the traditional red varieties to white and yellow ones. Think about the temperature condition of your area before planting to figure out the best time to put seeds in the ground. If you want a continuous supply of the vegetable, stagger planting at three to four week intervals. Clear the soil of any rocks and twigs and make sure that it is well-drained and loose. For soil that has a high amount of clay, add organic matter to improve conditions for beet growth. Aged manure also improves soil conditions. The idea soil pH is 6.2 to 6.8. A lower soil pH retards beet growth. Plant seeds an inch apart and 8 to 10 inches deep in rows that are approximately one and a half feet apart. Beets can withstand frequent watering, as the soil needs to stay moist for the best growth.

Harvesting and Storage

A major benefit of growing beets is that every single part of the plant is edible. The root provides vivid color while the leafy top makes delicious hot and cold salads. To prepare beets for storage cut off the tops and store the greens separate from the roots. You can store unwashed roots in plastic bags for up to three weeks in a refrigerator crisper. You can also store greens in the crisper but eat them as soon as possible as they only stay edible for a few days.

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