Varieties

Spacing and Seeding

Beets are seeded 1/4” to 1/2” deep. Since the seedball usually contains two or more seeds, thinning may be necessary to 2” to 3” apart within the row. Rows are spaced 12” to 18” apart. Some growers thin when tops are 6” tall and sell the thinnings as greens. Plant 8 to 10 lb of seed/A (1/2 to 3/4 oz per 100 feet of row). Mono (single) seeded varieties are becoming available. Follow the seed company’s instructions.

Beets should be seeded three to four weeks before the average last spring frost, at two to three week intervals, with the last planting in August or six weeks before the average first fall frost. Beet seeds germinate at soil temperatures from 40°F to 80°F with optimum germination at 65°F to 75°F.

Lime

Apply lime according to soil test to maintain soil pH at 6.5 to 6.8. In alkaline soils, the chance of boron and manganese deficiency is increased.

Fertilizer

High levels of nitrogen in relation to phosphorus and potassium will result in heavy leaf production with poor root development.

Less nitrogen fertilizer will be needed if manure or legume sod was plowed down (see Nitrogen Credits, pages 6-9).

Beets are subject to boron deficiency; young leaves fail to develop normally, turn black and die. This is accompanied by internal breakdown, canker, or dry rot of the root. To prevent deficiency, apply 2 lb boron/A (10 lb Solubor, 20 lb borax) with the broadcast fertilizer application. Make sure that the next crop in the rotation schedule is not sensitive to boron residue.

Harvest

Beets for fresh market are usually hand harvested and tied three to five per bunch. If beets are to be stored, they should be topped leaving a 1” stem to prevent bleeding and held at 32°F and 95 to 98% relative humidity.

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