Beets White Rings: Summer Heat and Zoning
Beets white rings inside the root often show up in summer crops. Extension guides call this zoning and link it to heat.
The short answer
UMass says the higher temperatures of summer cause zoning with alternating light and dark rings. Those roots carry less sugar. Beets grow well in cool weather from 50°F to 65°F with good sun. Some varieties such as Chiogga have pink and white rings by nature.
Why do beets have white rings?
UMass says beets grow well in good sunlight with cool temperatures. Summer heat brings zoning with light and dark rings plus lower sugar. Wisconsin Extension explains that beet roots hold alternating bands of phloem and secondary xylem. Heat makes the bands visible.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cool weather | Even color | Beets and Swiss chard |
| Summer heat | Light rings | Beets and Swiss chard |
| Root bands | Phloem and xylem | Growing carrots |
Are some beets striped on purpose?
SDSU lists Chiogga as an heirloom beet with light red skin. Its inner rings are pink and white, and it is very sweet. Maryland Extension says beets come in red, golden or white plus striped forms. SDSU also lists white Avalanche beets.
Chiogga: pink and white rings. Avalanche: white root. Striped types: natural pattern.
When should you sow beets?
Maryland Extension suggests sowing several weeks before the last spring frost through summer. Stop 6 weeks before the first fall frost. Harvest comes 50 to 60 days from seeding. SDSU says beets need steady water in well drained soil. Dry soil can bring boron problems.
Early spring: cool growth. Late summer: fall harvest. Steady water: fewer root spots.
Troubleshooting
Pale rings in summer beets: heat. Sow for spring or fall.
Black spots inside: boron shortage. Check soil plus water.
Pink and white rings: a striped variety. Nothing to fix.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on plant stress see environmental stresses on weed plants and cannabis heat stress. Read underwatering cannabis for watering. See mulch for cannabis for bed care.
Sources
- Beets and Swiss chard, UMass Amherst
- Table beets: harvest and storage, South Dakota State University Extension
- Growing carrots, beets, radishes, and other root crops in Wisconsin (A3686), University of Wisconsin Extension
- Growing beets in a home garden, University of Maryland Extension
FAQ
What causes zoning in beets?
UMass says summer heat causes zoning with alternating light and dark rings.
Why are Chioggia beets striped?
SDSU lists Chiogga as an heirloom with inner rings of pink plus white. The pattern is part of the variety.
Do white rings affect flavor?
UMass says zoned beets from summer heat have lower sugar content.
When should beets be harvested?
Maryland Extension expects harvest within 50 to 60 days from direct seeding.
What temperatures suit beets?
UMass says beets grow well in good sunlight at 50°F to 65°F.
