Getting Started

Beets come in a wide range of colors, including dark red, striped, golden, and white. All varieties can be grown in containers, with popular options including ‘Detroit Dark Red,’ ‘Bull's Blood,’ ‘Early Wonder,’ ‘Boldor,’ and ‘Chioggia.’

Choose a food-safe container with good drainage and at least 8 inches of depth. A 5-gallon grow bag or planter can hold about 4 beet plants. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix designed for edible plants. Adding compost or aged manure can provide extra nutrients, while perlite can improve drainage.

When to Plant Beets in Containers

Beets are cool-season vegetables that grow best in spring and fall. They may struggle to germinate or bolt during hot weather.

Start sowing beet seeds outdoors about 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Continue succession sowing every 2 to 3 weeks until summer heat arrives. When temperatures cool again, resume sowing and stop about 8 weeks before the expected fall frost.

Direct sowing in containers is best because beets do not transplant particularly well.

How to Plant Beets in Containers

Beet seeds germinate best when temperatures are between 55 and 75°F. Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting can help them sprout more quickly.

Fill your container with potting soil or seed-starting mix. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Place the container in full sun or under a grow light and keep the soil evenly moist.

Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them by removing the weakest plants. Leave about 3 inches between the remaining seedlings. The thinnings can be used in salads and sandwiches.

Caring for Potted Beets

Place outdoor containers where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Indoor beets generally need a grow light or a bright south-facing window.

Water whenever the top 1 inch of potting mix feels dry. Container-grown beets can require daily watering during hot weather. Applying a layer of straw mulch can help slow moisture loss.

If the potting mix already contains compost, additional fertilizer may not be necessary. If plants appear weak or you are succession sowing, use a diluted balanced or low-nitrogen liquid organic fertilizer every few weeks.

Harvesting Beets

Beets are generally ready to harvest about 50 to 70 days after planting, when the crowns begin to emerge above the soil. However, both the roots and greens can be harvested whenever they reach a usable size.

Younger, smaller beet roots are usually more tender and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fertilizer for beets?

A balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer is best. Too much nitrogen can encourage excessive leaf growth while producing smaller roots.

What pests eat beets?

Container-grown beets may have fewer pest problems, but they can still be affected by leaf miners, aphids, and flea beetles.