Growing Beets from SeedsGrowing beets from seeds is the best way to grow them in my opinion. They can be started in pods four weeks before they are ready to be transplanted. But it is a lot of work to grow them in pods and then babysit them for four weeks. Before planting them you have to harden them off. So as far as I am concerned it is best to start them from seeds. They can be planted as soon as the soil is ready to work. Beets are a cool weather plant so plant them in early spring and plan for a fall crop. The beet is versatile in that the root and top can be eaten. However, you will not find me eating any tops.
Growing beet crops mature quickly in light or loamy soils with a pH over 6.0. In general, cool temperatures produce the best flesh color. Acute weather fluctuations will cause "zoning," white rings, in the roots. Transplant: Sow seeds indoors in early spring, about 5-6 weeks before transplanting out after heavy frosts become infrequent. Sow seeds 1/4" deep, 3-4 seeds per inch. Transplant out 3" apart in rows 12-18" apart. Direct Seeding: Begin early sowings when soil has warmed somewhat after thawing. Sow in a 2-4" wide band, about 15 seeds/ft. (10/ft. if sown in single line), 1/2" deep, rows 12-18" apart. Thinning is not necessary. For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected. DISEASES: Keep your growing beet crop well irrigated to prevent "scab," the same disorder that affects potatoes, causing raised brown rough spots on the mature roots. Internal breakdown or browning is most likely to occur in alkaline soils after prolonged hot, dry periods. This is caused by a deficiency of the nutrient boron. Rotate crops to prevent Cercospora leaf spot. HARVEST And STORAGE: Fork or undermine, lift plants, wash and hydrocool, and store bunches 10 days at 32°F (0°C) and 95% humidity. WINTER STORAGE OF ROOTS: Sow about 10 weeks before heavy freeze is expected. Cut tops, wash, and store 6 months at 32°F (0°C) and 95% humidity. DAYS TO MATURITY: 48 From direct seeding; subtract 14-21 days if transplants are used. For seeds, OG means "organically grown" and signifies seeds harvested from plants grown organically, without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and according to National Organic Program standards.
12-18-09 Below is a picture of growing beets from seeds. We have had a lot of cloudy days and some freezing temps so they are not doing as well as they should be.
2-04-2010 In the picture below is a beet for the Fall of 2009. My beets did not do very well at all. This beet should be at least twice the size.
02-04-2010 I decided that my beets just were not going to do very good so I pulled them up and now I have started some inside in Dot Pots. I will see if they do any better.
Update 03-06-2010 Below are pictures of growing beets from seeds. They are way behind on when they should have been ready but we have had a lot of cloudy and cold days this Fall. The next picture is some I started indoors a few weeks ago. I am not the world's best indoor seed starter. I was trying to do three rows but have not reduced it to just one row under the light to see if things get any better.
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