Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an important vegetable for humans from many points of view. Although, it is not as popular as tomato or lettuce. As with any crop that grows underground, the same question always arises, when are beets ready to harvest? By looking at the leaves and how the so-called “shoulders” of the beets protrude, it is easy to identify the right time to harvest beets. In this article, we will explain everything about When to Harvest Beets & How you Know When Beets are Ready to Harvest.
Different varieties of beets are grown. Some are consumed raw or cooked -either the root or the leaf-, others are used to extract sugar and the rest are used as cattle feed.
I encourage you to continue reading this article to the end to learn all the tips to know when beets are ready to harvest.
Table of Contents
Varieties of Beets
There are many varieties of beets, but the best known are the following:
- Detroit Dark Red
- Golden Detroit
- Early Wonder
- Cylindria
- Chioggia
When to Harvest Beets? Each variety of beet has different harvesting times, for example, Detroit Dark Red beet and Cylindria can be harvested in 60 days. Early Wonder and Chiogga beets will be ready for harvest in 55 days. Finally, we have the Golden Detroit beet that can be harvested in only 50 days!!!! For example, in the Cylindra beet variety, you will have the greens to harvest when they are between 4″ and 6″ (10 and 15 cm) long.
- VARIETIES - Detroit Dark Red, Golden, Early Wonder, Cylindra, Chioggia Beet Seeds for Planting all 2 gram packets.
- OUTDOOR GARDEN - Wonderful root vegetable perfect for your outdoor garden. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden.
- TASTY - There's nothing like a fresh, homegrown beet, picked straight from the garden. These 5 varieties are sure to delight your salads, juices and taste buds!
Detroit Dark Red Beets
Detroit Dark Red Beets are a popular variety for gardeners. These are easy to grow and very delicious. Great eaten fresh, roasted, and even juiced. Detroit Dark Red Beets will germinate 5 to 8 days after planting. In approximately 60 days, Detroit Dark Red Beets will be ready to harvest. You can harvest the greens when they are 6 to 18 inches (15 and 45 cm) long. Remember that they need to be planted in an area with full of sun.
What Month Do You Harvest Beets?
Beets are a vegetable that prefers cold climates. In late spring or fall, beets will be ready to harvest, it all depends on when you plant your beets. You should plant beets every 2 to 3 weeks if weather conditions are suitable. Then harvest at different times and always have fresh beets.
Best Time to Harvest Beets
Best Time to Harvest Beets. Beets will be ready to harvest after about 8 weeks. The best time to harvest beets is in late spring or fall.
Best Time to Harvest Beets. When the soil is very dry, it is better to water the beets a few days before harvesting so that the beets come out of the soil more easily.
We have already mentioned that beet is a plant that prefers cool temperatures, so it must be planted at the right time of the year to match these conditions.
Best Time to Harvest Beets. In regions with cool and humid climates, beets can be grown all year round. For example, in our garden, there are beets from January to December.
Best Time to Harvest Beets. In hot, dry climates, it is preferable to grow beets from autumn to late spring, as the intense summer heat is not at all favorable. If you look for a place protected from the midday sun, it can be kept in the garden all summer.
To choose a sowing date, keep in mind that the plant needs about 3 months to reach an acceptable size. Therefore, it can be sown staggered throughout the autumn, winter – if the frosts are not too strong – and until early spring, if the intention is to abandon the crop during the summer.
Let’s continue reading to identify when beets are ready to harvest.
When to Harvest Beets?
When to Harvest Beets? If you want to harvest the leaves, you should do it when they measure 5” to 5.5” (12 to 14 centimeters). Remember that the greens are kept for a short time.
When to Harvest Beets? If you want to consume the beet leaves, it is preferable to do it before the root thickens, since then part of the nutrients will have left the leaves and will be stored in the root.
You should start cutting the beet leaves a few weeks after sowing, as soon as they are the desired size.
The root of the beet is harvested 90 days after planting when it measures between 1.2” to 2.7” (3 to 7 centimeters) in diameter. Harvesting should not be done late, as the roots can become fibrous.
At the time of harvesting, some leaves should be left for better preservation. Afterward, the excess soil should be washed away. The beet crop can be stored for several weeks in a cool place.
When to Harvest Beets? If the soil where the beets are planted is very dry, it is better to irrigate a few days before harvesting so that the beets come out of the soil more easily.
To harvest the beet, hold it by the leaves at the part that joins the root and slowly pull it out. You should also use a small shovel to remove the soil and harvest the beets more easily.
How do you Know When Beets are Ready to Harvest?
Let’s see the tips to understand when beets are ready to harvest. So, How do you Know When Beets are Ready to Harvest?
Beets can be harvested when you see the shoulders of the beets sticking out of the ground. They may also be harvested according to the desired size of the beet.
How do you Know When Beets are Ready to Harvest? Beets with a smooth, dark-colored surface are best for eating, but small beets are also very tasty. If beets grow too large, they are likely to be more fibrous, so it is not recommended to let beets grow too large. Â
When to Harvest Beets for Processing?
When to Harvest Beets for Processing? For those who want to make pickles or can their beets for preservation, beets can be harvested at any time. You should process beets of any size.
When to Harvest Beets for Processing? Small beets will be a little sweeter. Or you should use large beets that will fill several jars or cans. This is one of my favorite pickled beet recipes.
How to Store Beets
How to Store Beets? It is possible to store raw beets in the refrigerator for a period of 2 weeks. Storing beets in vinegar is an alternative way that maintains good preservation for 6 weeks. Finally, methods such as dehydration, freezing, and canning are capable of storing beets for up to 1 year.
The dehydration of various products, such as beets, is becoming more and more frequent and popular. This is due to the different ways in which it can be used after it is in that state. In addition, it is used as a type of food supplement and, in some cases, as a natural colorant.
We hope that this article will be of great help and that you will be able to harvest your beets perfectly. We recommend our article about How to Grow Beets.
