“Gimmee a beet” | “Just beet it” | “Can you feel the beet?” (Sorry, 80s songs beet puns)

Ok, ok, I admit it, my better half has been trying to get me to eat beets forever it seems. Recently, mostly by accident, I was going through my seed stash and noticed I had some Boldor variety I had purchased from Johnny’s Seeds. I mixed them into a vegetable bed I was refreshing, and when they matured, i had no idea what they were, as I have always grown red beets. We cooked them for dinner, and I felt adventurous, and wow was I surprised when I tasted these delicious vegetables. Hopefully, this inspires some to try these amazing beets. Here is an overview of beets in general.

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow—fast to mature, nutritionally rich, and beautiful in the garden. These vibrant root crops come in more than just classic red; you’ll find golden beets, candy-striped Chioggia, and even deep purple varieties that add both flavor and color to your garden and kitchen. With edible roots and nutritious greens, beets are a true two-in-one crop.

Whether you’re growing in early spring or chasing a fall harvest, this guide covers everything you need to know to grow healthy beets from seed to table—including special tips for hot zones like 9b.

When to Plant Beets

Beets thrive in cool weather and are best grown in spring and fall. They can tolerate frost and even improve in flavor after a cold snap, but they bolt quickly in hot temperatures. Timing your plantings carefully is the key to a good harvest.

• Spring: Sow 2–4 weeks before the last expected frost
• Fall: Plant 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost

In hotter zones (like 9b), aim for late winter sowings (January–March) and again in early fall (September–November). Avoid midsummer plantings to reduce the risk of bolting.

🌱 Master Gardener Tip: Soak beet seeds (which are actually clusters) for a few hours in warm water before sowing to speed up germination and increase uniformity.

Choosing the Right Spot

Because beets develop underground, they need loose, well-drained soil that allows the roots to grow straight and plump. A sunny spot is ideal, but in warmer climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent stress and bolting.

• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours) is best; part shade can work in hot areas
• Soil: Loose, loamy, and free of stones
• pH: 6.0–7.5

🌞 Hot Zone Tip: Partner beets with taller crops like corn, sunflowers, or trellised beans to provide dappled shade during the hottest part of the day.

How to Plant Beet Seeds

Direct seeding is the way to go—transplanting often results in stunted roots. Each beet “seed” is actually a cluster that will sprout multiple seedlings, so thinning is a must.

• Planting depth: ½ inch
• Spacing: 1 inch apart in rows 12 inches apart
• Thinning: Once 2–3 inches tall, thin to 3–4 inches apart to give roots room to develop

🌿 Don’t toss your thinnings—use them like microgreens in salads or sautés.

Watering and Feeding

Beets require consistent moisture, especially as roots start to swell. Uneven watering can cause cracking or woody texture. Feeding lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer will encourage even growth.

• Water: 1 inch per week; increase slightly during hot or dry spells
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or compost every 3–4 weeks
• Mulch: Apply 1–2 inches of straw or leaf mold around the plants to help retain moisture and keep soil cool

🚫 Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can produce lush tops but tiny roots.

🌞 Master Gardener Tips for Hot Zones (like Zone 9b)

Growing beets in warm climates requires a few extra tricks:

• Timing: Stick to cooler parts of the year—late winter and early fall are best
• Shade: Use companion plants or 30–40% shade cloth to provide relief from intense sun
• Mulch: Helps regulate soil temp and retain moisture—essential in dry zones
• Varieties: Choose bolt-resistant types like ‘Golden,’ ‘Cylindra,’ and ‘Detroit Dark Red’

🌡️ Use a soil thermometer if needed—beets germinate best between 50–75°F.

Common Problems

While beets are relatively low-maintenance, they can still run into issues—especially if the soil is too warm or poorly drained.

• Poor germination: Often due to dry conditions or hard seed coats
• Leaf miners: Look for serpentine trails in foliage—remove affected leaves promptly
• Bolting: Usually heat-induced—stick to early and late-season plantings

🐞 Natural predators and row covers can help protect against common leaf pests.

Harvesting Beets

You can harvest beet greens throughout the season and the roots once they reach your desired size. Most gardeners pick roots between 1.5 to 3 inches across for the best texture and flavor.

• Greens: Harvest outer leaves when 4–6 inches tall, leaving inner growth intact
• Roots: Loosen soil and pull when they’re plump but still tender—generally 50–70 days after sowing

🧺 Be gentle when harvesting to avoid snapping off the tops, which can shorten storage life.

Storage and Use

Beets are ideal for both fresh eating and long-term storage. Trim the greens (leave an inch of stem) to prevent moisture loss from the roots.

• Fridge: Store roots in a plastic bag for 1–2 weeks
• Root cellar: Keep in damp sand or sawdust in a cool, dark place for up to 3–4 months
• Preserve: Beets can be canned, pickled, or roasted and frozen

Cooking and Preparation

Beets are a chef’s dream—roasted, boiled, raw, or pickled, their sweet, earthy flavor brings color and nutrition to any dish. And don’t forget the greens! They cook like Swiss chard and are packed with iron and vitamins.

• Roast: Wrap in foil and roast whole at 400°F for 45–60 minutes
• Boil/Steam: Boil until fork-tender; skins slip off easily afterward
• Raw: Grate or shave thin for salads and slaws
• Pickle: Classic method for preserving flavor and crunch
• Greens: Sauté with olive oil and garlic or chop into soups and quiches

🍋 A splash of vinegar or lemon brightens beet flavor and helps reduce earthiness in cooked dishes.

Best Beet Varieties to Try

Want to branch out from the basics? These varieties bring color, flavor, and variety to your beet beds:

• ‘Detroit Dark Red’ – The reliable classic with deep color
• ‘Golden’ – Mild, sweet, and doesn’t stain
• ‘Chioggia’ – Beautiful candy-striped heirloom
• ‘Cylindra’ – Long, uniform roots perfect for slicing
• ‘Bull’s Blood’ – Deep red leaves great for microgreens

Companion Planting

Beets pair well with many crops and make good use of garden space when tucked between faster or taller growers.

• Great companions: Onions, lettuce, bush beans, radishes
• Avoid: Pole beans (they may stunt beet root development)

Final Thoughts

Beets are one of the easiest and most rewarding root crops you can grow. With proper timing, attention to soil, and a few hot-climate tweaks, you’ll be pulling perfect, sweet roots from your beds in no time. Add in their edible greens and storage power, and you’ve got a garden staple you’ll want to grow year after year.