<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n11. The Best Beet Varieties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It may surprise you to learn that there are several varieties of beets. Each has a unique look and growth characteristics that distinguish the species from others. Consider the following types of beets below when planting your crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detroit Dark Red \u2013 Known for sweet roots and greens, this beet matures in 60 to 65-days, making it one of the longer-growth cycle beets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Red Ace \u2013 This beet is excellent for storage, producing tender greens ideal for inclusion in salads. This species is resistant to “zoning” \u2013 where the beet develops white and red rings due to heat stress. This beet matures in 50 to 60-days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kestrel \u2013 This baby beet is dark-red and sweet, and it is also resistant to disease, bolting, and heat, making it ideal for beginner growers. This beet matures in 50 to 55-days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bulls Blood \u2013 This beet is resistant to cold, growing long, dark-purple leaves that are ideal in salads. This variety is the tastiest beet you can grow, and it matures in 55 to 60-days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n12. Humidity and Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The climate plays a significant role in beet production. If you plant your beets in the wrong environment, or at the wrong time of the year, you can expect that your crop will not work out well for you. Beets prefer colder climates, making the northern states more suitable for growing this root vegetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, beets are not as cold-resistant as other vegetables, such as broccoli, and your timing needs to be spot-on if you want a successful crop at the end of spring. Should you decide to plant your beets in the springtime, it’s vital that you wait until the ground thaws and drains before planting. It’s best to have a soil temperature of 50-degrees, which is optimal for planting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Growers can plant successive crops as long as the air temperature does not get above 75F. Planting in the fall is suggested after the nighttime temperature starts to cool off as winter approaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Seed Germination Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The shells of beet seeds are notoriously hard, and they may be challenging to germinate, especially in the ground. We recommend that you soak your seeds overnight to speed up germination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When sprouting, you can place the soaked seeds in the prepared beds immediately. However, for best results, we recommend you leave the seeds in the water until the root starts to show, then plant the seeds in the bed, with the base of the root pointing downwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another excellent gardening tip for growing beets is to plant a row of fast-growing radishes in between the beets. The radishes grow much faster than the beets, and you’ll be able to harvest them long before the beets. As the radishes grow, the roots spread into the flowerbed, loosening the soil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top your beet seeds with peat moss or vermiculite after planting to trap moisture and keep the seedling cool and protected from direct sunlight in the early stages of growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Topping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n If you have to get rid of beet leaves due to leaf-miner infestation, or you want to trim the beets before harvest \u2013 it’s vital that you don’t cut the leaves. Cutting the foliage results in the beets “bleeding.” As a result of the bleeding process, the beet tends to lose its flavor and color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of cutting away the leaves, twist them off about 2-inches from the start of the stem above the crown of the beet. Save your beet tops for salads, and it may surprise you at how much flavor comes from the greens. The leaves of the beet are similar to spinach in their consistency, and they contain plenty of nutrients that make them a valued addition to any salad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After harvesting your beets, you can leave a few roots in the ground over-winter, and dig them up next season. However over-wintering beets tens to give them a woody texture and taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n15. Storage Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Beets are an ideal vegetable to add to your root cellar. Under the right conditions, you can store your beets for up to four months after harvest. To get the most extended shelf-life out of your beets, we advise that you store them in your cellar at a cold temperature, but not at the freezing point. Freezing the beets turns them woody and diminishes the flavor in this root vegetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s vital that the humidity in your root cellar stays above 98-percent to ensure the longevity of your beets. Lower levels of humidity dry out the beet, rendering it tasteless and chewy. If you want your beets to last longer, then consider processing and preserving them. Pickling your beets will dramatically improve their shelf-life, with some preparations lasting up to a year if stored in the fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also store your beets in layers of sand in a wooden box. Store in a dry environment, and you’ll preserve the flavor and texture of your beets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n