Beets are grown for both their roots and nutritious leafy greens. The time it takes to grow beets from seed to a mature root ready for harvest generally falls within a range of 50 to 70 days. This timeframe is influenced by the specific variety chosen and the conditions of the growing environment. Understanding these factors allows a gardener to successfully time the harvest for peak flavor and size.
Getting Started with Beet Seeds
Beets are planted as a cool-season crop, thriving in the milder temperatures of early spring or late summer. Soil preparation is essential; the soil must be loose and deep to allow the root to expand without obstruction. Plant the seeds about a half-inch deep.
Beet seeds are unique because they are multi-germ clusters, meaning multiple seedlings often emerge from a single planting spot. Consistent moisture is necessary for successful germination. Under ideal conditions, seedlings typically sprout within five to ten days, though cooler soil temperatures may extend this period to two weeks or more.
Typical Days to Maturity
The days to maturity depend significantly on the part of the plant being harvested. The quickest harvest is for the beet greens, which are ready to be picked as early as 25 to 30 days after planting. At this stage, the leaves are tender and flavorful, but only a few outer leaves should be taken from each plant to ensure the root continues to develop.
Harvesting small, sweet roots, often called baby beets, opens around 35 to 45 days. The standard harvest for a full-sized beet, intended for storage or cooking, occurs between 50 and 70 days. This timeline, often found on seed packets, can vary by variety. Harvesting at full maturity yields roots that are typically between one and three inches in diameter.
Environmental Factors That Alter Growth Speed
Temperature is a significant factor affecting the growth timeline. Beets develop optimally when the air temperature ranges between 60°F and 65°F. Sustained high temperatures, particularly above 75°F, can cause the plant to stop dedicating energy to root growth. This heat stress can trigger bolting, which is the premature formation of a flower stalk, ending the root development cycle.
Consistent soil moisture is necessary for steady, timely growth, especially during root expansion. Dry conditions slow development and cause the root tissue to become tough and woody, negatively impacting flavor and texture. Gardeners should provide about one inch of water per week to prevent growth checks.
Thinning is required to prevent competition and ensure proper root sizing. Allowing multiple seedlings to grow in close proximity drastically slows root development, resulting in small, underdeveloped bulbs. The balance of soil nutrients also matters; excessive nitrogen encourages lush leaf growth at the expense of root maturity, which can delay the harvest.
Signs Your Beets Are Ready for Harvest
Visual and physical cues are the most reliable indicators that beets are ready for harvest. The most obvious sign is the expansion of the root’s shoulder, which begins to push up above the soil line as it swells to its final size. The exposed top of the root gives a clear view of its diameter without disturbing the plant.
Most beets are ready for the main harvest when their diameter reaches between one and a half to three inches, the size for peak sweetness and tenderness. Allowing roots to grow much larger than three inches increases the risk of them becoming fibrous, tough, and less palatable. The leaves should appear full and healthy; yellowing or stress indicates the root is past its prime and should be harvested immediately.
To check the size of roots not showing their shoulders, gently loosen the soil around the stem base and feel the root’s circumference. Once the desired size is confirmed, harvest the beet by grasping the stem firmly and gently pulling while loosening the surrounding soil. Beets hold their quality in the ground briefly after maturity but should be removed before freezing or excessively hot weather.