Beet roots take a longer time to cook than many other vegetables, but their sweet taste is worth the wait! They are often roasted and then served warm or cold in salads and side dishes. Their strong color also makes a good natural dye. Beet greens can also be eaten like chard or other leafy greens.
The area around Longmont has been famous for Sugar Beets since the 1800s. The Longmont High School mascot was originally the “Beetdigger!”
- Good Companions
- Fauna attracted to Beets
- Diseases common with Beets
- Plant Origin
- Africa and Europe
- Nutrition
- High in vitamins A, B and C; minerals calcium and iron.
- Family
- Beetroot family
- Soil
- Likes well-drained, loose garden soil
- Water
- Spray or drip irrigation
- Spacing
- One seed every 4" to 6"
- Depth
- 1/2" deep
- Notes
- Performs better in cooler season. Germination takes 5-10 days in warm soil, 15-25 days in cool soil. Thin when 2" tall - one to every 4"
- When to harvest
- Ready when roots are 2-3" in diameter. Foliage can be harvested when 6" high. Can take up to 1/3 of plant's leaves without harming the crop. OK AFTER FROST??
- Harvesting Tips
- Leave for student harvest. See "when" notes. Roots can be pulled or dug out.