Growing beets is rewarding, but picking them at the right time is key for the best flavor and texture. This guide will show you exactly how to know when beets are ready to harvest, ensuring they are perfectly ripe and ready for your kitchen.
How to Know When Beets Are Ready to Harvest – Perfectly Ripe and Ready
Getting your beets out of the ground at the ideal moment makes all the difference. Harvest too early, and you’ll have tiny, underdeveloped roots. Wait too long, and they can become woody and tough. The good news is that beets give you several clear signals.
The Primary Signs of Beet Readiness
Beets are unique because you can often judge their readiness from above the soil. Here are the main indicators to look for.
1. Check the Days to Maturity
Your seed packet is your first clue. Most beet varieties are ready between 50 and 70 days after planting. Mark your calendar after sowing. This date is a helpful guideline, but always confirm with visual checks, as weather and soil can affect growth.
2. Look at the Shoulder Size
This is the most reliable method. Gently brush away soil from the top of the root. The “shoulder” is where the beet root meets the stem.
- A perfectly ripe beet will have a shoulder that is 1 to 3 inches in diameter. This is about the size of a golf ball or a bit larger.
- If the shoulder is smaller than an inch, give it more time.
- If it’s much larger than 3-4 inches, it might be getting over-mature.
3. Examine the Beet Greens
The leaves can tell you a lot about the root underneath. Healthy, vibrant greens that are 4 to 6 inches tall usually indicate a developing root. While not a guarantee, they are a sign of overall plant health.
The Step-by-Step Harvest Check
Follow these simple steps to assess your beet bed.
- Start at the Marked Date: Around the “days to maturity” date on your packet, begin your inspection.
- Clear the Soil: Use your fingers to carefully move soil away from the top of a few different beet roots.
- Measure the Shoulder: Visually check the diameter. If it’s in the 1-3 inch range, it’s likely ready.
- The Gentle Tug Test: For a final check, grasp the base of the greens and give a very gentle, upward tug. A ready beet will often release easily from loose soil. If it resists, don’t pull—it needs more time.
What About Beet Thinnings?
When you thin your beet seedlings (which is essential for good root growth), you get a bonus early harvest. These tiny, marble-sized beets are a chef’s treat. Their greens are also excellent in salads. So don’t think of thinning as wasteful—it’s your first, delicate harvest.
Harvesting for Different Uses
Your intended use can influence your harvest timing.
- For Tender, Baby Beets: Harvest when the shoulder is just 1 to 1.5 inches wide. These are wonderfully sweet and tender, great for roasting whole.
- For Standard, Storage Beets: Aim for that 2 to 3.5 inch size. These are ideal for boiling, pickling, and storing for winter use.
- For Greens Primarily: You can snip a few outer leaves from plants you are growing for roots, but you can also grow beets specifically for greens. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender, about 4-6 inches long.
How to Actually Harvest Your Beets
Once you’ve determined they’re ready, proper technique prevents damage.
- Water the soil lightly the day before if it’s very dry. This makes harvesting easier.
- Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil about 4-6 inches away from the beet’s base. Insert the tool and lever it gently to lift the root.
- Grasp the beet firmly at the base of its leaves and lift it out. Avoid pulling by the leaves alone, as they can break off.
- Gently shake off excess soil. Do not wash them yet if you plan to store them.
Post-Harvest Handling
What you do after harvesting is crucial for longevity and flavor.
- For Immediate Use: Twist off the greens, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the root to prevent “bleeding.” Wash thoroughly. The greens can be cooked separately and are highly nutritious.
- For Storage: Never wash beets you intend to store. Twist off the greens, again leaving a short stub. Place the unwashed roots in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They can last for several months this way.
- For Cellar Storage: In cool, humid conditions, they can be packed in damp sand or peat moss in a box. This method can keep them for months.
Common Problems and Signs of Over-Ripeness
Sometimes, beets stay in the ground to long. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Woody, Tough Texture: Very large beets (over 4 inches) often develop a fibrous, less pleasant texture.
- Cracking: If beets experience uneven watering followed by a heavy rain, they can split or crack, similar to tomatoes.
- Pithy Centers: Over-mature beets can sometimes become hollow or pithy in the middle, especially in warmer weather.
If you find a cracked or oversized beet, it’s still edible. Just cut away any tough or damaged parts. They may be better suited for soups or purees where texture is less critical.
FAQ: Your Beet Harvest Questions Answered
Can you leave beets in the ground too long?
Yes, you can. While beets are forgiving, leaving them in the ground well past maturity leads to larger but often woody, less flavorful roots. They are also more suseptible to pest damage and cracking.
What happens if you harvest beets too early?
Harvesting to early results in very small, underdeveloped roots. While these “baby beets” are delicious, you’ll get a much smaller yeild from your garden. It’s generally better to wait for at least the 1-inch shoulder size.
Do beets get sweeter after a frost?
Yes! Like carrots and parsnips, beets convert starches to sugars in response to cold. A light frost can significantly improve their sweetness. This is a great reason for a late fall harvest.
How big should beets be before picking?
The ideal size for most varieties is between 1.5 and 3 inches in diameter. This is the perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and yeild. Use the “shoulder check” method for the best results.
Can you eat beet leaves?
Absolutely. Beet greens are edible and highly nutritious. Harvest them when young and tender for salads, or sauté larger leaves like you would spinach or chard. Just remember that removing to many leaves can slow root growth.
Final Tips for Perfect Beets
Consistent watering is the secret to even growth and prevents cracking. Mulching helps retain that moisture. Remember, you can succession plant beets every few weeks for a continuous harvest from summer into fall. Don’t be afraid to test-harvest one beet early to see its progress; it’s the best way to learn. With these simple tips, you’ll always pull your beets at their peak, ensuring every meal features the sweet, earthy flavor of a perfectly ripe and ready vegetable from your own garden.