When to Harvest Beets: Size Timing plus Greens
Knowing when to harvest beets comes down to root size. South Dakota State University Extension notes table beets are ready when they reach golf ball size, one to three inches in diameter, usually 50 to 70 days after planting. University of Maryland Extension also suggests pulling roots at 1 to 3 inches across.
The short answer
Harvest beets when roots reach golf ball size, about 1 to 3 inches across. Most varieties get there 50 to 70 days after planting. Larger beets can turn tougher plus more fibrous. A few leaves can be cut from each plant while roots continue growing. Beets handle light frost, so fall crops can wait a little.
What size should beets be at harvest?
South Dakota State University Extension notes beets are ready at golf ball size, one to three inches in diameter, depending on variety. Larger roots can be tougher plus more fibrous. Mini types such as Babybeat mature at 1 to 2 inches.
| Stage | Size or timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sprouting | 10 to 15 days | From direct seeding |
| Thinning | 3 inches apart | Final spacing in all directions |
| Mini beets | 1 to 2 inches | Babybeat, about 40 days |
| Standard harvest | 1 to 3 inches | 50 to 70 days after planting |
| Leaves | A few per plant | Cut with a knife while roots grow |
Source: South Dakota State University Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
How do you check beet size?
Look at the shoulder of the root at the soil line. University of Maryland Extension suggests pulling roots when they are 1 to 3 inches in diameter, plus notes final thinning can wait until small beets reach a usable size. Pull a sample root to check. South Dakota State University Extension notes a potato fork works for small scale harvests.
Can beet greens be harvested too?
Yes. South Dakota State University Extension notes both the roots plus leaves of a beet can be harvested. When taking leaves from plants grown for roots, cut only a few leaves from each plant with a knife. Crosby’s Egyptian is noted for leafy tops, while Babybeat tops are also used as greens.
How to: step by step
- Count days from sowing, usually 50 to 70.
- Inspect root shoulders at the soil line.
- Pull one sample root plus measure it.
- Harvest at 1 to 3 inches across.
- Lift with a fork when soil is firm.
- Cut stems 2 inches above the root before storage.
Troubleshooting
Tough roots: hot weather plus too little moisture. South Dakota State University Extension links both to tough roots plus zoning.
Pale rings inside: zoning from heat plus dry soil. Water evenly through hot weather.
Black spots in roots: low boron. University of Maryland Extension suggests borax only if the soil is deficient.
For related reading see when to harvest outdoor cannabis, cannabis taproot vs fibrous roots plus checking soil moisture by feel. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Table beets: harvest and storage, South Dakota State University Extension
- Growing beets in a home garden, University of Maryland Extension
- Beets, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Growing carrots, beets, radishes plus other root crops in Wisconsin (A3686), University of Wisconsin Extension
FAQ
How long do beets take to grow?
University of Maryland Extension notes beets sprout in 10 to 15 days plus reach harvest within 50 to 60 days from direct seeding. UF/IFAS notes beets are ready 50 to 70 days from seed. South Dakota State University Extension lists Babybeat at about 40 days plus Chiogga at about 55 days to maturity.
Can beets stay in the ground in fall?
For a while. University of Maryland Extension calls beets semi hardy, able to withstand light frosts but not heavy frosts or freezing, plus notes roots tolerate colder temperatures than tops. South Dakota State University Extension notes beets can be planted in midsummer plus harvested before an intense freeze.
How do I store beets?
University of Maryland Extension notes beets store well in a very cold, moist place, about 32 F with 95 percent relative humidity, or in a vented plastic bag in the refrigerator. South Dakota State University Extension suggests trimming stems 2 inches above the root plus cleaning roots without breaking the skin before storage.
How long do harvested beet leaves last?
Not long. South Dakota State University Extension notes beet greens are more perishable than roots plus last only a couple of days in the fridge. Held close to 32 F at 95 percent humidity, they can last up to two weeks. Bunched beets last about 2 weeks at 32 to 40 F.
Why do some beets bolt?
University of Wisconsin Extension notes beet flower stalks form after plants have been exposed to temperatures below 50 F for 6 to 8 weeks, plus long days can speed flowering. Heat or moisture stress may also bring a flower stalk in the first year. South Dakota State University Extension lists Red Ace as resistant to bolting.
