How to Grow Beets
Beets belong to the same species as Swiss Chard, so when growing for seed, do not plant both crops at the same time. Beets are tasty and easy to grow, and both the roots and leaves can be used in cooking.
Time of Planting
Plant in early spring, as soon as soil can be worked. You can plant successive plantings until midsummer.
Plant ¾ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
Time to Germination
When growing beets for seed, spacing needs to be significantly increased, and staking the plants is recommended for support.
Common Pests and Diseases
Beets are typically not affected by pests and diseases, but may be affected by: black bean aphid, boron deficiency, birds, and slugs.
When and How to Harvest
Harvest beets 60-90 days after planting, before they become woody. Harvest when roots are about the size of a golf ball. Gently pull beets out of the soil by the base of their stem.
Beets are often added to salads or roasted winter vegetable dishes.
Beets will store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
How to Save Beet Seeds
Recommended Isolation Distance
Separate varieties by 800 feet to ½ mile.
Recommended Population Sizes
To ensure viable seeds, save seeds from at least 5 plants. When maintaining a variety over many generations, save seeds from 20-50 plants. If you’re saving seeds for genetic preservation of a rare variety, save seeds from 80 plants or more.
Assessing Seed Maturity
Seeds at the base of the flower stalks ripen first, and seed maturation continues up the stalks. Seeds change from green to a tannish-brown color as they mature.
Once seeds start ripening, there will almost always be a mixture of mature and immature seeds on plants. Harvesting when approximately ⅔ of the seeds are brown is recommended. Depending on the scale of seed collection, individual seedstalks can be cut or entire plants can be pulled from the garden and moved to a place where they can continue drying. Depending on the percentage of ripe seeds at harvest, 7-14 days should be a sufficient drying period.
Cleaning and Processing
The seedstalks can be threshed using one of several methods. Small lots and cut branches can be processed by running a gloved hand along the length of the stalk with a container placed underneath to catch dislodged seeds; stalks should be discarded once they are stripped of seeds. Larger lots and whole plants can be placed in large tubs or on tarps and treaded upon. Threshed seedstalks should be discarded, and the seed lot should then be screened and winnowed.
Storage and Viability
When stored under cool, dry conditions, beet seeds can be expected to remain viable for 5 years.