How to Grow Beets in Your Garden

My first experiences with growing beets were purely for the photos—they’re such a gorgeous vegetable. I’d harvest them, snap a few shots for social media, and then hand them off to my neighbor, who loves them. But once I discovered milder varieties like golden beets, I realized they were more than just photogenic. Now, I grow them for myself, not just for the pretty pics!

Beets come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and they’re grown for their earthy-sweet roots and nutritious greens. Often hailed as a “superfood,” they’re packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making them an excellent addition to any garden. If you’re curious about how to grow beets—whether it’s how to grow beets from seeds or transplants—this guide will walk you through choosing the right varieties, caring for your plants, and finding the best time to harvest beets.

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Article Index

1. Plant Beets at the Right Time
2. Choose the Best Location
3. Explore Different Varieties
4. Plant Beets Correctly
5. Provide Proper Care for Beets
6. Harvest Beets for Best Flavor
7. Use Every Part of the Beet

Sources and Further Reading

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1. Plant Beets at the Right Time

Before diving into how to grow beets from seeds or transplants, it’s essential to know when to plant them. In hot climates—like mine—beets struggle if temperatures climb too high, so careful timing is key. The right planting window can make all the difference in how quickly your beet crop grows and how flavorful your harvest will be.

• Cool climates: Plant beets about one month before your last spring frost date, once soil temperatures reach at least 50°F. Learn more about checking soil temperature in this guide.
• Late-season planting: You can also plant beets in late summer or early fall (generally June to September), as they tolerate light frost and near-freezing weather.
• Hot-summer climates (like Arizona’s low desert): Beets thrive during the cooler months here.
  Arizona Low Desert Beet Planting Dates:
  • Start seeds indoors: August – January
  • Plant outside: September 15 – February

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Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

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2. Choose the Best Location

Finding the right spot is a key step in how to grow beets successfully. Though beets prefer cooler conditions, they still need ample sunlight and the right type of soil.

• Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of daily sun.
• Soil: Loose, and well-draining soil is ideal. Aim for a soil depth of at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). If you have heavier or shallow soil, look for smaller or round beet varieties that don’t need as much depth. Too much nitrogen in the soil encourages leafy growth at the expense of bulbs. 
• Companion planting: Good neighbors for beets include bush beans, onions, and kohlrabi. Avoid planting where Swiss chard or spinach grew recently, as they can attract similar pests and deplete similar nutrients. Get more ideas for cool-season companion plants in this guide.

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3. Explore Different Varieties of Beets

I used to think I disliked beets because of their strong, earthy taste, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the milder flavors of golden and other specialty varieties. If you’ve been on the fence about beets (like I once was), try different types before ruling them out. 

(For seed sources, click the variety names)

• Early Wonder: Flavorful roots and tender 18″ greens high in vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. Ideal for mild climates.
• Detroit Dark Red Beet Seeds: Beautiful, deep crimson beets do not get woody, as do smaller varieties if allowed to grow large.
• Chioggia: Famous for its red-and-white striped interior. Less prone to bolting than other varieties.
• Golden: These orange-hued beets have tender flesh and don’t bleed like red beets. Sow seeds heavily due to lower germination rates.

Beets are an easy cool-season crop and perfect for beginners. Read this guide for more ideas for cool-season vegetables that you start from seed.

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4. Plant Beets Correctly

Now that you’ve chosen the ideal spot and planting window, let’s talk about how to grow beets from seeds and how to grow beets from transplants. Beets are one of the few root vegetables that tolerate being transplanted, so you can start them indoors or sow them directly outdoors. Proper planting and thinning will help ensure a strong, healthy crop.

• Multiple seeds in one “seed”: Each beet “seed” can contain up to six individual seeds. You’ll often see multiple seedlings emerging from a single spot, so thinning is key for good root development.
• Depth & spacing: Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, with 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) between seeds. Once seedlings reach about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) tall, thin them so each beet has the space it needs to “bulb up.”
• Thinning tips: Don’t discard those extra seedlings—beets handle transplanting better than most root crops, so you can replant the thinnings in another part of the garden or enjoy them as tender baby greens in salads.
• Succession planting: Sow fresh seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest over the season. Learn more about succession planting in this guide.
• Square Foot Gardening: Depending on the variety, plant 9–16 beets per square foot (roughly 9–16 plants per 30 x 30 cm square).
• Growing in containers: You can grow beets in a small pot, but make sure it’s at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
• Starting indoors: If you’d like to learn how to grow beets from transplants, begin by sowing seeds in small pots. As seedlings sprout, thin or separate them, then transplant to your garden. Space them about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart in loose soil. Learn how to start seeds indoors here.

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5. Provide Proper Care

The key to growing sweet, tender beets is consistent care. Beets grow best when they are able to develop quickly without stress. Hot temperatures can cause them to bolt (flower prematurely), which makes the roots woody and the greens bitter and inedible. Beets are biennial, meaning they naturally produce seeds in their second year, but bolting can occur earlier if plants are stressed by heat. If your beets bolt, it’s best to harvest them immediately—feed the entire plant to the chickens or let the plants flower to provide nectar for pollinators.

Tips for optimal beet care:

• Sunlight is key: Beets need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow quickly and develop flavorful roots. Ensure they’re planted in a spot with full sun during winter. Light shade is preferred as temperatures climb in late spring.
• Water consistently: Soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Inconsistent watering can cause tough roots or uneven growth. You may have to water more often during dry spells. Learn more about watering your garden in this guide.
• Cool soil with mulch: If temperatures are warm, apply a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
• Feed the soil, not the plant: Beets grown in rich, fertile soil don’t need extra fertilizer during the season. Too much nitrogen can result in lush greens but small roots.

Common Pests and Diseases

Beets are relatively low-maintenance, but a few pests and diseases can impact your crop. Here’s what to watch for:

• Flea Beetles: Tiny holes in the leaves indicate flea beetle damage. Protect plants with row covers or mulch, and keep the soil moist to reduce their activity.
• Leaf Miners: These pests create squiggly lines in leaves as they tunnel through. Remove and dispose of affected leaves to prevent spreading.
• Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that causes yellowing and fuzzy growth on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Powdery Mildew: White, powdery spots on leaves are caused by this fungal disease. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Learn how to treat and prevent powdery mildew in this guide.

Proper care, crop rotation, and good garden hygiene can help minimize these issues and keep your beets healthy.

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6. Harvest Beets at the Right Time

The best time to harvest beets is when the roots are still small and tender. This ensures you get the sweetest flavor and the most nutrient-packed greens.

• Harvest greens: Pick beet greens once they’re large enough to use, but leave some leaves to keep the root healthy.
• Root size: Most beets taste best when they’re 1–2½ inches in diameter. Gently brush the soil aside to check its size if you’re unsure.
• Avoid woody texture: Leaving beets in the ground for too long can cause them to become woody.
• Storage: Harvest before a hard frost, clip the greens, and store the roots in a cool spot. For minimal bleeding, twist off greens instead of cutting them.

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7. Use Every Part of the Beet

Finally, here’s the fun part: beets are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy every part of the plant once you’ve mastered growing beets.

• Baby greens: Toss beet thinnings into salads.
• Mature greens: Sauté or use in place of Swiss chard, spinach, or other leafy greens. Use them in my favorite Swiss chard recipes in this guide.
• Roots: Roast, steam, juice, fry, or slice them fresh in salads.
• Preserving: Pickle, can, or ferment beets to keep them longer.
• Storage: Once harvested, separate greens from the beets, store them in plastic produce bags, and refrigerate them.

(Fun fact: Some gardeners (including me!) mistake beet greens for Swiss chard because the leaves look so similar—until they discover a hidden beet root attached!)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Beets

1. Can beets tolerate frost?
Yes, beets are cold-hardy and can tolerate light frost and near-freezing temperatures. In fact, cooler weather often enhances the sweetness of the roots. However, they should be harvested before a hard freeze, as it can damage the roots.

2. What nutrients do beets need to grow well?
Beets thrive in soil rich in organic matter with balanced nutrients. They need nitrogen for healthy greens, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall plant health. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to large greens but small roots.

3. Can I grow beets from beet tops?
While you can regrow beet greens from the tops of harvested beets, they won’t produce new roots. It’s best to plant seeds or transplants for a full crop of beets.

4. How can I tell when beets are ready to harvest?
Beets are typically ready to harvest when their roots are 1–2½ inches (2.5–6 cm) in diameter. Gently brush away some soil to check their size. Smaller beets are sweeter and more tender, while larger ones may become woody if left in the ground too long.

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Sources & Further Reading

• Healthline:
  Kubala, J. (2023, May 27). 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Beets. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets
• American Heart Association:
  American Heart Association News. (2023, February 22). Give Me a Beet: Why This Root Vegetable Should Be on Your Plate. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/02/22/give-me-a-beet-why-this-root-vegetable-should-be-on-your-plate

These sources provide detailed information on the nutritional value of beets and offer additional insights into their potential health benefits.

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