BriannaWalther / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Beet
Beta adanensis
Overview
An ancient root vegetable domesticated from wild sea beet along European coastlines, prized for both its sweet, earthy roots and nutritious greens. Beets come in a rainbow of colors — deep crimson, golden, candy-striped Chioggia, and white — each with subtle flavor differences. They are one of the highest natural sources of dietary nitrates, which support cardiovascular health.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones3 — 11
Height0.56m
Spread0.33m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuelow
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeDeep, loose, well-drained soil free of rocks
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after soil reaches 50°F; thin to 3" apart |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest at 1-3" diameter; greens edible anytime |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jul | Direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost; succession sow every 3 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Harvest at 1-3" diameter; greens edible anytime |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Direct sow in spring; succession sow every 3 weeks |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing for autumn harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jun | Spring-sown harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Nov | Fall-sown harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in late winter/early spring before heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall through early winter sowing |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — May | Harvest before summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Fall-sown harvest |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Feb (wraps) | Cool-season crop; sow fall through winter |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Apr (wraps) | Harvest during cool season |
Uses
Culinary
- Roasted, pickled, or raw in salads
- Greens sautéed like chard or spinach
- Juiced for earthy, sweet beverages
Medicinal
- High in dietary nitrates supporting blood pressure and circulation
- Betalain pigments provide anti-inflammatory and detox support
- Rich in folate, manganese, and iron
Other Uses
- Natural dye producing pink and red tones
- Historically used to make sugar (sugar beet)
