Golden Detroit - Beet Seeds

Direct sow beets about 2–4 weeks before the expected last spring frost, once the soil can be worked and has warmed to about 45–50°F.

Make small sowings every 2–3 weeks for a longer harvest. For fall crops, sow early enough to allow about 55–70 days before the first hard freeze. Beets tolerate light frost and often become sweeter in cool weather.

Sow seed clusters about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in loose, well-drained soil. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge.

Because each corky “seed” may produce several seedlings, thinning is usually necessary. Space plants about 3 inches apart for most varieties, or slightly wider for large and cylindrical types. Young thinnings are edible.

Choose a site with full sun to light afternoon shade and soil that has been loosened deeply enough for roots to form without obstruction.

Keep moisture steady and mulch lightly once seedlings are established. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which can produce large tops and smaller roots. Weed shallowly because beet roots are easily disturbed near the soil surface.

Harvest baby beets when roots reach about 1–1½ inches across. Most varieties remain tender up to about 2½–3 inches, though quality depends on the variety.

Pull when the soil is moist, then trim the tops to about 1 inch for storage. Beet greens may be harvested young, but leave enough foliage to support the developing root.