Beets are a dual-purpose crop, offering nutritious leafy greens and an edible root. Determining the correct harvest time is important as it directly affects the root’s flavor and texture. The overall window for harvesting beetroots typically falls between 50 and 70 days after planting. This range depends on whether the gardener seeks small, tender roots or larger, fully developed ones.
Standard Maturation Timeline
The maturation process involves two distinct harvest periods, starting with the leaves, often called beet greens. The first harvest can begin early, coinciding with the necessary task of thinning seedlings. These young greens can be collected once the plants are about four to five inches tall, providing a tender addition to salads or a quick steam.
The root itself generally reaches a harvestable size between 55 and 70 days after planting. “Baby beets,” or young, tender roots, are ready when they reach the approximate size of a golf ball. Harvesting at this stage ensures the sweetest flavor and most delicate texture. Most varieties are considered fully mature for a main harvest when they are about the size of a tennis ball. This later harvest of larger roots is typically utilized for cooking or long-term storage.
Environmental Factors Influencing Growth Speed
The 50 to 70-day timeline is a broad estimate, as the actual growth rate is highly sensitive to external conditions. Beets are a cool-season crop that thrives in a moderate temperature range. The most favorable temperatures for cultivation are between 50 and 75°F (10 and 24°C), with an average daily temperature near 64°F (18°C) being optimal for taproot enlargement. Temperature extremes can slow development or trigger premature reproductive growth, known as bolting.
High temperatures can cause roots to develop a tough texture. Consistent soil moisture is also a factor, with plants requiring about one inch of water weekly, especially as the root begins to swell. A crucial factor influencing the speed and quality of root development is proper spacing. Each beet seed is a cluster that produces multiple seedlings, which compete fiercely for nutrients and space. Failure to thin these seedlings to an adequate spacing, usually three to four inches apart, will lead to overcrowding and severely slow root development.
Visual Cues for Harvest Readiness
Relying solely on the number of days since planting can be misleading, so the most reliable method for determining readiness involves a visual check. As the root expands underground, the top portion, known as the shoulder or crown, often pushes up and becomes visible above the soil line. The ideal time to pull the root is when this visible shoulder measures between 1.5 and 3 inches in diameter. If the crown is not visible, gently brush away the top layer of soil to gauge the root’s size.
Roots allowed to grow larger than three inches risk becoming tough, fibrous, or woody. The appearance of the foliage also provides confirmation of readiness. A canopy of large, lush, dark-green leaves generally indicates the root is actively filling out. Conversely, if the lower leaves begin to show signs of senescence, or if the canopy starts to wilt, the root has reached or passed peak maturity and should be harvested immediately.