How to Grow Beet — Croft & Covey

Growing Conditions

Beets prefer cool temperatures between 50°F and 65°F. They tolerate light frost and can be sown several weeks before last frost. Heat above 75°F during root development causes zoning — alternating light and dark rings inside the root — and reduces sweetness. Full sun is preferred; light shade is tolerated.

Cold climates: Sow 4–6 weeks before last frost for spring crop. For fall, sow 8–10 weeks before first frost — fall beets are often sweeter than spring.

Warm climates: Spring and fall only. Focus on fall plantings in hot climates.

Sowing & Planting

Each beet “seed” is actually a corky cluster containing multiple seeds. Sow ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 12 inches apart. After germination, thin to 3–4 inches — this step is non-negotiable for good root development. Thinnings are edible as baby greens. Beets prefer loose, stone-free soil; rocks cause misshapen roots.

Care & Maintenance

Consistent moisture is critical — irregular watering causes zoning and cracking. Beets are moderate feeders; amend with compost at planting. Boron deficiency causes black heart (dark rot in the center of the root) — if recurring, apply a dilute borax solution to the soil.

Common Problems

Zoning results from heat or inconsistent watering. Leaf miners tunnel inside leaves — remove affected leaves, use row cover to prevent. Cercospora leaf spot causes circular tan spots — choose resistant varieties, avoid overhead watering. Scab causes rough, corky patches on roots — maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid overly alkaline soil.

Harvest

Harvest spring beets at 1.5–3 inches in diameter — golf ball to baseball size. Larger roots become woody. Fall beets can be left in the ground through light frosts; mulch heavily to extend the season. Store roots in a cool, humid location with tops removed — they keep 3–5 months. Greens can be harvested throughout the season; young leaves are mildest.

Varieties

Detroit Dark Red is the standard home garden variety — reliable, widely available, and good for both fresh eating and storage. Chioggia (Candy Cane) has striking pink and white concentric rings that fade when cooked. Golden beets have a milder, sweeter flavor than red types and don’t bleed. Cylindra produces long, cylindrical roots that slice uniformly — practical for pickling. All types are grown identically.