Beets are a rewarding crop for Florida gardeners, but successful growth depends entirely on precise timing due to the state’s prolonged heat and humidity. The goal is to align the beet’s primary growth period with the coolest months of the year, avoiding summer heat that can trigger premature bolting. Understanding this narrow window is the single most important factor for a successful harvest in the Florida climate.
Regional Planting Schedules
The optimal planting time shifts significantly depending on whether a garden is located in North, Central, or South Florida. Planting dates are determined by the average temperature drop, aiming for the coolest part of the year for root development.
Gardeners in North Florida have the longest window, extending from August through February. Cooler temperatures arrive earlier and last longer, allowing for multiple succession plantings. Moving south, Central Florida growers should plan to sow seeds between September and February.
The season is shortest in South Florida, where the best time to plant is restricted to October through January. Planting too early risks poor germination because soil temperatures may still be too high. Conversely, planting too late in the spring can cause the plants to prematurely “bolt,” which makes the root tough and inedible.
Soil Preparation and Variety Selection
Beets thrive in a growing environment that provides full sun, meaning they should receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be loose, deep, and well-drained to allow the root to expand without obstruction. Beets will not grow well in heavy clay or compacted earth.
The ideal soil pH for beets is slightly acidic to neutral, falling in the range of 6.2 to 7.0. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, before planting improves both drainage and water-holding capacity, which is necessary for consistent growth. Gardeners should select varieties known to perform well in the heat and humidity of the region:
- ‘Detroit Dark Red’
- ‘Red Ace’
- ‘Early Wonder Tall Top’
- ‘Cylindra’
‘Detroit Dark Red’ is a classic choice known for its deep color, while ‘Red Ace’ is favored for its heat tolerance. The ‘Cylindra’ variety produces a long, cylindrical root that is easier to slice. Selecting a proven variety helps ensure the plant can withstand the warmer edges of Florida’s cool season.
Watering, Thinning, and Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is necessary for both germination and root development, as beets consist mostly of water. Soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged, since excessive wetness can lead to root rot. Water when the soil feels dry up to the first knuckle, which may require watering more than once a day for container-grown plants.
A required step for maximizing root size is the process of thinning the seedlings. Since each beet “seed” is actually a cluster of several seeds, multiple plants often emerge in the same spot, leading to overcrowding. When the seedlings are about three inches tall and have developed a set of true leaves, they must be thinned to an ultimate spacing of about two to four inches apart.
It is best to thin by snipping the unwanted seedlings at the soil line with small scissors, rather than pulling them out. Pulling can disturb the roots of the neighboring plants, potentially stunting their growth. The thinned seedlings and greens are edible and can be added to salads.
Knowing When to Harvest
Beets typically require 50 to 70 days from the date of seeding to reach a mature size, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. The most reliable way to check for readiness is to examine the “shoulder” of the root, which should be visible just above the soil line. Gently brush away the top layer of soil to assess the diameter of the beet.
The roots are generally ready to be pulled when they reach between 1.5 and 3 inches in diameter. Harvesting at this size ensures the best flavor and tenderness, as larger roots can become tough or woody. To harvest, loosen the soil around the root with a hand trowel and gently pull the beet up by its greens.
The leafy greens are highly nutritious and can be harvested throughout the growing season. It is safe to take one or two outer leaves from each plant without hindering root development. Leaving substantial foliage on the plant is necessary for the root to continue its growth cycle.