Planting and care
How to grow beets
When to grow
Cool season · Annual
How to start
Direct seed
Mature size
Low tops; edible root below soil
Time to harvest
Roots: about 50–65 days from seed; a few young greens can be picked around 30 days.
Feeding needs
Moderate feeder
Growth habit
Root Crop
How to prune
Thin seedlings because each seed cluster can produce several plants. If harvesting greens while growing roots, take just a few outer leaves and leave the center intact.
How to harvest
Pull roots when about 1½–3 inches wide for tenderness. Loosen the soil first; trim tops to about 1 inch after lifting without cutting into the root.
Harvest and kitchen use
Fresh, roasted, pickled or cooked; some tops are edible depending crop
Nutrition and garden value
Fiber plus crop-specific vitamins/minerals
Excellent intensive raised-bed crop; efficient use of lower soil profile
Common challenges and troubleshooting
Poor germination, root forking or pests if soil is compacted