Beet plants are a cool-season vegetable that grow best in the spring and fall. They are an annual plant, meaning they will die after one growing season. Beets grow best in well-drained, loamy soil that is high in organic matter and has a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Beets should be planted in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Beets should be spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Beets are a root crop, meaning that the edible part of the plant is the root. Beets can be harvested when the root is about the size of a golf ball.
Planning Your Garden With Beets
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Beets are an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Beets are hardy in USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Beets are a cold-hardy vegetable and can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for beets is around 55-65 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown beet plant is between 8 and 12 inches in height and 6 to 8 inches in diameter. |
| Spacing requirements | Beets should be planted 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Beets can tolerate full sun if they are given plenty of water during hot, dry periods. In areas with extreme heat, however, they may benefit from some afternoon shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Beets are considered to be a semi-tolerant crop, meaning they can tolerate some shade but will perform best in full sun. They may still produce a crop in partial shade, but the yield will likely be reduced. |
| Water requirements | Beets require moist soil to grow, but not overly wet soil. They need about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Beets should be watered at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage, as wet foliage can lead to disease. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing beets depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing beets is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Beets are Popular
People like to grow beets because they are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and are incredibly versatile. Beets are packed with nutrients and can be used in salads, soups, stews, and more. They can also be fermented, pickled, roasted, or eaten raw. Additionally, beets are a great source of color and flavor for many dishes.
Companion Plants For Beets
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for beets include:
Common Pests For Beets
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow beets, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- leaf miners
- wireworms
- slugs
- aphids
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
