The ideal range for germination of beet seeds is between 45°F (7°C) and 85°F (29°C). However, the optimal temperature is around 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C).

Beets are best direct sown, but unlike other root crops, beets tolerate being transplanted. If an early start indoors is necessary, start seeds 3-4 weeks prior to your last frost date.

If starting indoors, plant beets outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked and temperatures consistently reach around 50°F (10°C).

Beets grow best in full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day. Beets can tolerate part-shade (4-6 hours a day) especially in hotter climates, although growth may be slower.

Seeds can be sown every 1-2″. Thin to 4-6″ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size.

Beets prefer daytime temperatures between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C) for optimal growth and development. While beets can tolerate cooler nighttime temperatures, they perform best when nighttime temperatures remain above 40°F (4°C).

Beets can generally withstand a light frost between 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C). If grown as a fall crop and well established or grown in cold frames or row covers, many varieties of beets can withstand even colder temperatures.

Keep the soil consistently moist.  Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Beets do not require any pruning.

Harvest roots when golf ball-size or larger. Very large roots may be tough and woody. Grasp the beet greens near the base of the plant and gently pull upwards to remove the entire plant from the ground. Alternatively, you can use a garden fork to carefully lift the beets out of the soil.

Beets are propagated by seeds. They are biennial plants that focus on vegetative and root growth in the first year and send up a flower stalk and produce seed in the second year of growth. Beets are wind-pollinated, so unwanted cross-pollination can occur easily. Additionally, beets cross-pollinate not only with other beets but also other members of the Amaranthaceae family such as spinach and chard. For the above reasons, it’s recommended that you purchase seed instead of saving your own.

Each wrinkled beet seed is actually a cluster of 2 to 4 seeds. To ensure adequate space for optimal growth, beets should be thinned to a spacing of 4-6″ apart once the beet greens reach a height of about 4-5″.