Growing Guide: Beets

Beet Description:

Beets are root vegetables known for their deep red color and nutrient-packed greens. They are biennial, meaning that it’s possible to get two years of harvests from one crop: the greens are harvested in the first year and the roots are harvested in the second year.

Beets are a versatile culinary treat that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. You’ve probably seen them in their pickled form, but you can also roast them, shred them in salads, and juice them. You can even puree them and use them in a dark chocolate cake, where they add moisture and a complex flavor profile.

The leaves of the beet plant, known as beet greens, are tasty on their own and even more nutritious than the roots themselves. They’re often compared to kale and spinach in terms of nutrition and texture, but beet greens have their own unique flavor. They can be sauteed, braised, made into pesto, included in soup, and so much more.

Beets are said to be good for blood pressure, inflammation, and digestive health. They’ve been called a superfood thanks to their many health benefits, but perhaps more importantly, they’re downright delicious.

What is the best container for growing beets?

Beets are a hardy crop that can thrive in containers, provided the containers are deep enough to allow the root crop plenty of room. Choose pots that are at least a foot deep and have plenty of drainage to keep the growing roots from drowning.

How do you germinate beet seeds?

What we think of as the beet seed is actually a seed cluster containing three or four seeds. Soak the seed clusters in water for 24 hours, then sow directly in the container or garden bed two inches apart.

When should you plant beet seeds?

Beets do not tolerate high heat, so they should be planted in the cooler days of early spring or fall. You can even enjoy a winter harvest if you plant beet seeds early to mid-fall. If you’re growing beets indoors, you can start them at any time of the year as long as you have a warm space and adequate grow lights to keep this sun-loving crop happy and healthy.

Beet care guide:

Plant beets in a place where they will receive full sun for at least six hours a day. Seeds should be planted ½ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. The soil should be light and well-draining with a pH that is neutral or slightly alkaline (7 to 7.5). 

Beets don’t need a great deal of water. Water them once or twice a week and be careful not to drown the delicate roots of the young seedlings. They do, however, need plenty of full sun. Make sure they get at least six hours of sunlight every day.

Harvesting and storing beets:

The beetroots can be harvested the first year, but you get more bang for your buck if you only harvest the greens in their first season and harvest the seeds at the end of the next growing season. Cut the greens from the outside of the leaf cluster, but be sure to let some leaves remain so the roots can continue to form.

Once you harvest the greens, they’ll last for about three days in the refrigerator. Put them in a plastic zipper bag or a food container in the fridge, then wash them thoroughly before use.

If you are growing beets for the roots and not for seeds, harvest the beets at the end of their first season. When the beets are at least golf ball-sized, loosen up the soil around the bulbs and gently pull them up and out of the soil.

Beetroots can be stored unwashed in the crisper drawer of the fridge for up to two months. If you’re not planning to use them right away, you can blanch and peel the beets, then freeze them in a freezer bag for up to a year.

Harvesting beet seeds:

As a biennial crop, beets don’t produce seeds in their first year. If you overwinter your beets and let them bolt in their second year, you can collect the seeds for later. The plants will sprout tall green stalks covered in green seed clusters. Wait until they turn brown and dry out before harvesting the entire root, seed stalks and all. Cut the stalks from the roots and hang the stalks up to dry fully. When the seed clusters start to come off of the stalks easily, strip them off and store them in a jar, bag, or envelope, where they’ll remain viable for up to four years.

Gourmet Blend Beet Seeds – $2.99 Join the beet fan club! Aside from the health benefits, which include significant amounts of fiber, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin C, beets come in many colors. ‘Gourmet Blend’ includes ‘Detroit Dark Red’ with deep red roots and delicious dark green tops, ‘Chioggia’ with interior rings of bright pink and white, and ‘Golden’ with bright yellow flesh.