How Do Beets Grow?

 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 10

 

The garden beet, more formally known as beetroot, is the taproot portion of several varieties of the plant, beta vulgaris that are cultivated for their edible roots and greens. Most varieties of beta vulgaris have roots that are a deep red-purple color, but some are golden-yellow or even white with red stripes.

 

Beets are a fast-growing crop and are successfully grown in almost any region. They like the cold and require at least one month of cold weather to flower. Most varieties are biennial, meaning they typically flower and set seed in their second year of growth.  

 

Beets are cold-hardy and tolerate frost. They grow best when average daytime temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but seeds will germinate in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 85 degrees. In most areas, an early crop is planted one month before the last frost date, and a late crop anytime between June and September. In warmer regions, zones 9 and higher, winter crops are also cultivated.

 

Beets grow quickly. The popular red table beet produces edible greens within approximately 35 days of planting, followed by deep red, round or cylindrical edible taproots about one month later.

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Seasonal Growth​

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Health Benefits

History

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Propagation

 

Beets are propagated easily by seed.

 

Harvest

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Storage

Fun Facts