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AsMichigan State Universitynotes , “ Beta vulgaris are not one of the more pop vegetables . ” At least they did n’t use to be . But now that scientist have find that those global root veg reduce cancer risk and humbled ancestry imperativeness and cholesterin , among other wellness benefits , everybody is proceed to want to know how to grow beets .
Fortunately , beetroot finish is easy , and thefast - growing vegetableoften matures within 2 months . This article will concentrate on the garden type of thissuperfoodrather than the livestock cannon fodder or sugar types .
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Growing Beets at a Glance
vulgar Name : BeetScientific Name : genus Beta vulgarissubsp.vulgarisHardiness Zone:5 - 10 , grow as annualSoil : fecund , well - drainedLight : Full sun to partial shadeWater : MediumFood : Organic humble - nitrogen fertilizerPropagation : SeedSafety : Edible but arrest oxalates
Beet Characteristics
The beetroot plant really is abiennial ( 2 - year plant)where it is hardy , namely in USDA zone 5 to 10 , producing stalks of flushed - tinged overweight green flowers in its second year . But it usually has been harvested long before that for either its greens or its roots , both of which are eatable .
Garden beet typically originate 12 to 18 column inch tall , with each beet top compile of a rosette of oblong green leaves often decorate with red stems and ribs . The roots vary in sizing , build , and color , but most are globose and reddened or orange , while those intended for boodle production are a more oblong white .
However , growing sugar beets , which consider 2 to 4 punt at maturity date , can take 6 month or so . Therefore , most gardeners will want to adhere to garden beetroot , which make goodcompanion plantsfor members of the sugar and onion plant families .
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Recommended Beet Varieties
Planting Beets
When grow beets from cum , keep in mind that , unless labeled “ monogerm , ” those “ source ” usually are beetroot fruit , each of which incorporate 2 to 6 seeds .
When is the best time to plant beets?
Plant beet out of doors about 1 month before the usual date of the last spring frost , when the soil temperature is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit , preferably 50 degrees Fahrenheit . or else , sow them in late summer for a fall harvest , keeping in mind that temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may embarrass germination .
Where can beets grow?
When planting beets , choose a emplacement that meet full or partial sun . Thebest territory for themis fertile , well - drained , and stone - free with a pH between 6.5 and 7 . To provide better drainage , lighten up heavytypes of soilwith compost or plant beet seminal fluid atop a 4 to 6 - in mellow ridge of loam or in a raised bed .
How do you plant beets?
To rush along up germination , pour quick water over the seeds and soak them for 24 hours before constitute them .
Can you grow beets in containers?
Yes . When growing beets in containers , check that that those container are at least 12 inches thick . In his article series TheEssentials of Container Gardening , Charlie Nardozzi paint a picture six plant per 12 - inch diam pot , but notes that you’re able to get aside with more plant if you are lift them for their greenness rather than their radical .
Watering Beets
As with most vegetables , beet will requireat least 1 column inch of water per weekto thrive . Among the most vernacular tips for growing beets is to keep their soil damp when the seeds are germinating by placing a panel over the wrangle , removing it once the seedlings begin to sprout .
Continue to keep your Beta vulgaris ’ soil evenly moist to prevent toughness in the grow globes . utilise straw mulch to help preserve that wet , suppress widow’s weeds , and dilute crusting of the dirt , which also can induce the beets to toughen .
Fertilizing Beet Plants
When growing beets , utilise anorganic low - nitrogen fertiliser , such as 5 - 10 - 5 , to the dirt before sowing the seeds . Do this at a pace of 1½ punt per 100 square feet , crease it into the soil . Unless you are raising beets solely for their green , stave off gamey - nitrogen fertilizers that will produce voluptuous top growth at the expense of ascendant increase , or you may get plenty of leaves but only very humble beet .
Once the beets have get through thinning meridian , implement another 2 tablespoons of fertilizer per 10 substructure of row atop the soil near the ascendent of the remaining plants .
Safety Considerations
Although both the globes and greens of beets are edible and nutritive , they do contain oxalates like several other fruits and veg , such as rhubarb and spinach plant . Lacey Eadon ofColorado State Universitynotes , “ Those who get frequent oxalate kidney stones or have sure familial and digestive disorders may want to speak with a doc and registered dietitian for guidance on handling , which may include befittingly monitoring oxalate economic consumption . ” People suffering from gout often are advised to avoid oxalate as well .
Potential Pests and Diseases
Beta vulgaris on occasion brook from leafage miners , the larvae of flies that lay their clean eggs on the undersides of the leave-taking . The larvae will make what look like meandering snowy paths across the surface of the leafage .
you’re able to help prevent their appearance by not plant beets where either spinach or chard has grown of late . Topping the beet plant with row covershortly after they sprout may also forbid the flies from laying their eggs on them .
Harvesting Beets
keep the greens you clip off while slim your beet to utilise as your first harvest from them .
When is the best time to harvest beets?
Beets ’ rise time of year typically take 2 months , after which the globes can be glean when they arrive at golf - musket ball size , or whatever size is specified for the cultivar . Once they surpass 3 inches in diam , they are more potential to become woody and tough rather than sweet and tender .
How do you harvest beets?
You may want to tease the solid ground around your beets with a garden forking first to make them easy to pluck .
How do you store beets?
stash away the Beta vulgaris greens in a plastic base inside the refrigerator for up to 2 days . The unwashed beetroots should keep for up to 3 weeks , if also refrigerated inside a perforate charge plate base and only washed just before using them . instead , store the Beta vulgaris in crates in a chilly root root cellar at temperatures below 45 arcdegree Fahrenheit .
Looking for more root vegetables ? Check out our guide on growingcarrots , potatoes , andsweet potato .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
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We ’ll help you determine up your first garden — whether that ’s a few potful on your terrace , a raise bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and choose the right plant life for your soil and part .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
