Beet Seeds - Detroit Dark Red - Beta vulgaris

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Beets are grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. The key to success is timing the planting so that the roots mature during periods of cool to mild weather.

Best Performance - Beets thrive when daytime temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F. These temperatures promote rapid growth and the development of sweet, tender roots. Hot weather can cause the roots to become tough and woody.

Northern Zones (2-6) - An excellent spring and fall crop. Direct sow seeds in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last average frost date, as soon as the soil is workable. Plant a second crop in late summer (about 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost) for a bountiful autumn harvest.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Best grown as a fall, winter, and early spring crop. Plant seeds in the fall for a harvest throughout the cooler winter months. A very early spring planting is also possible, but plants must be harvested before the onset of intense summer heat.

Soil Temperature - Seeds will germinate in cool soil (as low as 45-50 degrees F), but sprouting will be slow. Optimal germination occurs when the soil temperature is between 60-85 degrees F.

Growing Season - Requires a relatively short growing season of 55-65 days of cool weather for roots to reach maturity.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Direct sow seeds in the garden during cool weather. In spring, plant 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost, as soon as the soil can be worked. For a continuous harvest, plant a new crop every 2-3 weeks. For a fall crop, sow seeds about 8-10 weeks before your first expected fall frost.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours per day). Beets prefer loose, sandy, well-drained soil. Avoid compacted, rocky, or heavy clay soil, as this can cause misshapen roots. Work compost into the soil before planting.

How to Plant:

Sowing: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Water the area well after planting.

Critical Step - Thinning: Each beet "seed" is actually a cluster containing 2-4 individual seeds. Because of this, you must thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding, which is the number one cause of beet crop failure. When seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them to their final spacing of 3-4 inches apart. Use scissors to snip the extra seedlings at the soil line to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plants. The thinned tops are delicious and can be eaten as microgreens.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Beets require consistent moisture for tender root development. Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering can lead to cracks in the roots or a woody texture.

Fertilizing: Beets are not heavy feeders. Amending the soil with compost is usually sufficient. If you use fertilizer, choose one that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium, as too much nitrogen will encourage lots of leafy top growth at the expense of the root.

Weeding: Keep the area around the beets well-weeded to reduce competition for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the roots are between 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. You can often see the "shoulders" of the beet pushing up out of the soil. Gently loosen the soil around the beet and pull it up. The greens can be harvested at any time, but take only one or two outer leaves from each plant if you want the root to continue to grow.