Beets are a versatile root vegetable, offering both edible roots and nutritious greens, making them a rewarding addition to a Missouri garden. Successfully growing this cool-season crop depends on understanding the state’s fluctuating climate and planting at the correct times. Missouri’s distinct seasons provide two primary opportunities to sow beet seeds, allowing gardeners to avoid the intense heat of mid-summer. Proper timing ensures the roots develop a sweet, tender texture instead of becoming woody or tough.
Optimal Planting Seasons in Missouri
Planting beets in Missouri revolves around two distinct windows: spring for an early summer harvest and late summer for a fall harvest. The spring planting is initiated as soon as the soil becomes workable, often around mid-March, well before the average last expected frost date. Beets are hardy and tolerate a light frost, making them one of the first vegetables sown directly outdoors in the spring.
Gardeners must monitor soil temperature, as beet seeds germinate most effectively when the soil is at least 50°F, though they can sprout in temperatures as low as 40°F. For a continuous supply, sequential sowing is recommended, involving planting small batches of seeds every two to three weeks. This practice should continue until late May or early June, as high temperatures cause the roots to become woody and bitter.
The fall planting often yields the highest quality beets because the roots mature during naturally cooling temperatures, which enhances their sweetness. To time the crop, count backward from the average first fall frost, generally occurring around mid-to-late October in Missouri. Seeds should be sown from late July through August, ensuring the beets have enough time to mature (typically 50 to 60 days) before the ground freezes. This allows the roots to develop during the ideal 60°F to 70°F growing conditions of early autumn.
Preparing the Site for Successful Growth
Successful beet cultivation starts with preparation of the planting site, creating an environment where the root can expand without obstruction. Beets thrive in deep, well-drained, loamy soil that is free of rocks, which can cause the roots to fork or become malformed. The ideal soil pH should be slightly alkaline, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0, as acidic soil below 6.0 is poorly tolerated.
Before planting, the area should be tilled deeply to loosen the soil structure and incorporate well-aged compost or other organic matter. Avoid applying fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this promotes excessive leafy green growth at the expense of root development. Beets require a full-sun location, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to properly develop their roots.
Once seedlings emerge and reach one to two inches in height, thinning must be performed. Each beet “seed” is actually a dried fruit containing multiple true seeds, resulting in clumps of seedlings that compete for resources. Thinning the weaker plants to leave the strongest seedling every two to three inches is necessary to ensure each developing root has adequate space to reach its mature size. Consistent soil moisture is necessary, particularly during germination, and the plants require about one inch of water per week throughout the growing season.
Selecting the Best Varieties for Missouri
Choosing the right beet variety influences success, especially when dealing with Missouri’s variable weather. Certain varieties are better suited for the state’s climate, offering improved heat tolerance or quicker maturity times. Selecting a variety that matures quickly is beneficial for both spring planting, which must finish before summer heat, and fall planting, which must mature before a hard frost.
The heirloom ‘Detroit Dark Red’ is a popular choice, known for its deep red color, uniform shape, and long storage life. ‘Cylindra’ is another option, producing long, cylindrical roots ideal for uniform slicing and pickling. For gardeners who prefer a less earthy flavor, ‘Bull’s Blood’ is a dual-purpose variety, yielding dark red roots and deep purple foliage often harvested for salad greens.
For spring plantings in cooler soil, ‘Early Wonder’ is a fast-maturing variety. Alternatively, golden beet varieties, such as ‘Golden Heirloom,’ offer a milder flavor and will not “bleed” their color during cooking, making them an appealing option. Selecting varieties with a maturity window between 50 and 60 days provides flexibility for both the early spring and late summer planting windows in Missouri.