Beets are fast growing vegetables that make an excellent addition to the kitchen garden. To grow beets in a container choose a pot that is about 6 inches deep. Then select the variety you would wish to grow and get set to plant the power-packed veggie. Here are a few essential care tips and tricks you need to know!
Buy Beetroot Seeds
• How to Grow Beets from Seeds: Tips and Tricks
1. Soil Requirements
Firstly, fill the container with potting soil that is rich in compost and organic matter. Beets tolerate low fertility but need well-drained soil with the pH value that ranges between 6.5 and 7.
2. Sunlight
They grow best in a location that receives full sun. The seeds also need enough sun to germinate and the maturing plant thrives in full sun, too. So, ensure that you plant your beetroot seeds in the optimal spot according to their light requirements.
3. Planting
Plant the seeds about a ¾ inch deep and about a foot apart. Propagate by seeds only when the temperature is between 10-29 degree Celsius. The germination will occur when the temperature is as low as 4-degree Celsius to as high as 32-degree celsius.
If you are planting your beetroot seeds in pots, make sure to use the right kinds of pots and planters so you can give them enough space to grow and develop their roots.
4. Harvesting & Storing
Seedlings will emerge in 5 to 8 days. Thin the seedlings when they are about 4 to 5 inches tall. Harvest your beetroots when they reach 1-3 inches in diameter, usually 50-70 days after planting. Loosen the soil around the roots to avoid damage, and pull gently. Twist off the leafy tops to prevent moisture loss. Store beetroots in a cool, dark place or use them fresh in recipes.
To ensure that you have a more bountiful harvest of beetroots, you can use Ugaoo's Bone Meal Powder that will allow fertilize your produce plants and allow them to grow perfectly. This will give you healthier and fuller produce.
Q. How long does it take for beetroot to grow? -
Beetroot typically takes 50-70 days to grow to full maturity. The exact time can vary based on the variety and growing conditions. For baby beets, you can harvest them in about 40-50 days, while larger, full-sized beets may take up to 90 days.
• Additional Tips: How to Plant Beets & Keep Them Healthy
Here are a few additional tips and tricks that will allow you to ensure the proper growth of your beetroot crops in your kitchen garden:
1. Strike the Right Balance
Provide beets with water, aeration and good drainage. Keep in mind that good & healthy soil is the key to optimal growth as beets are prone to boron deficiency and overdose of nitrogen. It is only the right soil condition that will help in preventing the use of additional fertilizers.
2. Do Not Overwater
Also, do not over water these biennial plants as they are super susceptible to root rot, leaf spotting, and scab. Water only at the base of the plants and refrain from overcrowding to allow air circulation.
3. Cover Them Up!
Do not forget to cover the beet plants with a fine net or a cheesecloth in order to protect them from adult flies and leaf miners. In case you find infested leaves handpick and destroy them to keep rest of the plant healthy.
• Varieties of Beets: Different Types You Can Grow
If you cup feels half full with just one type of beetroot, you can find different kinds of beetroot seeds and grow a variety of them! Here are 3 different types of beetroots you can grow:
1. Five Color
A blend of 5 colored plants, each one is grown separately before the seeds are combined. Looks attractive! The 5-color beetroot mix includes red, golden, white, Chioggia (candy-striped), and Bull's Blood varieties. Each offers unique flavors and vibrant colors, adding visual appeal and nutritional diversity to dishes. These beetroots are versatile, used in salads, roasting, and pickling, enhancing both culinary and aesthetic experiences.
2. Fordhook Giant
The Fordhook Giant beetroot is known for its large, smooth roots and sweet, earthy flavor. It matures in about 60-65 days, producing tender, deep red flesh. This heirloom variety is excellent for slicing, roasting, and pickling, offering reliable yields and robust, nutrient-rich greens for added versatility.
3. Perpetual
Perpetual beetroot, also known as perpetual spinach, is valued for its tender, spinach-like leaves rather than its roots. It grows continuously, providing a steady harvest of nutritious greens. This hardy, low-maintenance plant thrives in various conditions, making it a versatile and long-lasting addition to gardens and kitchens.
If you find joy in growing your own different kinds of vegetables and fruits for fresh produce straight from your kitchen, then buying seeds will allow you to grow all kinds of produce from the comfort of your very own home. So, which ones will you be planting this season?
Happy gardening!