Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023 - 48

BEETS (Beta vulgaris)
VARIETIES1
BEETS
Avalanche (white interior)
Bohan
Boldor (yellow interior)
Boro
Bresko
Bull's Blood (for greens)
Chioggia (red and white interior)
Detroit Dark Red
Early Wonder Tall Top
Red Ace
Red Cloud
Ruby Queen
Solo
Touchstone Gold (yellow interior)
1
A
G
A
A
A
A
A
G
G
G
G
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
K
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
M
M
N
N
N
Abbreviations for state where recommended.
Note: For consistent root size, beets should be thinned. Most beet seeds are naturally " multigerm " varieties. Multigerm seed contain more than one embryo.
When these germinate, they will produce 2 to 5 seedlings at once.
Light, well-drained soils are best for root development in
beets. Beets are frost tolerant and produce the best commercial
quality when grown during cool temperatures (50° to 65°F).
Lighter color and wider zoning within the roots occur during
periods of rapid growth in warm temperatures. If plants are exposed
to 2 or 3 weeks of temperatures below 50°F after several
true leaves have formed, seedstalks (undesirable because they
will reduce root quality) will form. Cultivars vary in their sensitivity
to this problem with newer cultivars generally being less
sensitive to it.
Beets are susceptible to boron deficiency and will develop
internal black spot if soil boron is not adequate. If boron is deficient,
apply 2 to 3 lb. of boron per acre with broadcast fertilizer,
or for smaller plantings, apply ½ oz. Borax per 100 square feet
of row with initial fertilizer application.
Seeding and Spacing. Optimum germination temperature for
beets ranges from 50° to 85°F, but early plantings can be made
4 to 6 weeks before the average last spring frost. Germination
takes between 10-14 days, but can be hastened by soaking seed
in warm water prior to planting. Sow seed ½ to 3/4 in deep at the
rate of 15 to 18 seeds per foot of row. Space rows 15 to 20 inches
apart; thin plants to 3 inches apart. Seeds remain viable for
2-3 years when stored properly.
BEET PLANTING DATES (cont'd)
Spring
AL North
AL South
GA North
GA South
KY East
KY Central
KY West
LA North
LA South
MS
48
3/15-5/30
2/1-3/31
4/15-5/30
2/1-3/31
3/20-4/15
3/15-4/10
3/10-4/1
2/1-3/31
2/1-3/31
NR
Fall
8/1-9/15
8/1-9/30
7/15-8/15
8/1-9/30
NR
NR
NR
9/15-11/15
9/15-11/15
8/1-9/1
BEET PLANTING DATES (cont'd)
Spring
OK
NC East
NC West
SC East
SC West
TN East
TN West
VA East (coastal)
VA West (mountains)
NR = Not recommended
3/1-3/31
3/1-4/15
4/1-5/31
2/15-3/31
3/15-5/31
3/15-4/15
3/1-4/1
3/15-4/15
4/1-5/31
Fall
8/1-8/15
8/1-9/15
7/15-8/15
8/15-9/30
7/15-8/31
9/1-9/30
9/15-10/1
8/1-8/31
7/15-8/15
N
N
O
O
O
O
A
K
L
S
S
S
S
S
S
T
T
T
T
T
T
V
V
V
V
V
M
AL
GA
KY
K
LA
L
S
S
MS
NC
OK
SC
TN
VA
SPECIAL NOTES FOR PEST MANAGMENT
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Seed rot and damping-off may be a problem, especially in early
spring plantings when soils are cool. Seeds should be treated
with an appropriate fungicide to protect the seed.
Cercospora leaf spot is the most common disease that occurs on
beets. Circular spots with reddish brown or purplish margins are
the first signs. Spray every 2 to 3 weeks with an appropriate crop
protectant.
INSECT MANAGEMENT
The most common insect pests of beets are aphids, leafminers,
flea beetles, and webworms. Sanitation and crop rotation should
be practiced to avoid pest build ups.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE
Market beets are hand-harvested when 1-3/4 to 2 inches in diameter,
usually about 50-75 days after planting. Expected yield
per 100 row feet is 100 lbs. See Table 14 for further postharvest
information.
2023 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States

Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2023