If you’re growing beets, you might be wondering how do i know when my beets are ready to harvest. Getting the timing right means enjoying the sweetest, most tender roots. This guide will give you the clear signs to look for so you can pick them at their peak.
Beets are wonderfully forgiving, but harvesting them at the perfect moment makes all the difference. Picking them to early means small roots, while waiting to long can lead to woody, tough beets. Let’s look at the simple clues your plants give you.
How Do I Know When My Beets Are Ready to Harvest
The perfect harvest time depends on the beet variety and your growing conditions. However, there are universal visual and tactile signs that tell you when they’re ready.
Check the Shoulders and Size
The first place to look is at the soil line. Beet “shoulders” are the top of the root bulb. When they start to push up and become visible above the soil, it’s a good initial sign.
- Gently brush away a little soil from the top of a beet or two.
- Look for a shoulder diameter of about 1.5 to 3 inches. This is the typical ideal size for most common varieties, like Detroit Dark Red or Chioggia.
- A 2-inch beet is often perfectly tender and sweet. Larger beets can still be great, but check for woodiness.
The Days to Maturity Guide
Your seed packet is your best starting point. It lists “Days to Maturity,” which is a helpful estimate.
- This number is usually from seed sowing to harvest.
- Most beet varieties mature between 50 and 70 days.
- Use this as a guideline, not a strict rule. Weather and soil affect growth rate.
The Leaf Test
Beet greens are a fantastic bonus crop and a useful indicator. Healthy, vibrant tops are essential for root growth.
- Lush, full greens about 6 inches tall usually mean the root is developing well.
- If the greens start to look tired or less vigorous when the roots are near size, the plant may be focusing energy on the root, signaling readiness.
The Taste Test (The Ultimate Check)
Nothing beats actually sampling your crop. This is the most reliable method of all.
- Choose a beet that looks about the right size based on the signs above.
- Carefully pull it from the ground. You can also gently dig beside it with a garden fork to loosen the soil first.
- Wash it, cook it simply (like roasting or boiling), and taste it. Is it tender and sweet? If yes, harvest the rest!
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
Over-mature beets are still edible, but their texture changes. They can become fibrous, woody, and less sweet. The centers may develop tough, pale rings. If you find a giant beet, it’s still worth trying—it might be perfect for grating into salads or making soup.
Step-by-Step Harvesting for Perfect Beets
Once you’ve determined they’re ready, proper technique ensures you don’t damage the roots and you get the most from your greens.
1. Choose the Right Time of Day
Harvest in the cool of the morning or evening. This helps the beets stay crisp and retains their moisture, which is especially important if you plan to store them.
2. Loosen the Soil
Don’t just yank on the greens. Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the beet cluster. This prevents breaking the root off in the ground.
3. Pull and Separate
Grasp the beet at the base of its greens, near the shoulder. Pull steadily upward. If it resists, loosen the soil a bit more. Beet seeds are actually clusters, so you’ll often get several plants close together. You may need to thin them as you harvest.
4. Handle the Greens
If you plan to store the roots, twist off the greens rather than cutting them. Leave about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the root. This prevents “bleeding” during cooking and helps them last longer in storage. Don’t throw those greens away! They are delicious sautéed or used like spinach.
5. Clean and Store
Brush off excess soil gently. Do not wash them if you are putting them into long-term storage, as moisture encourages rot. For immediate use, a good wash is fine. Store unwashed beets in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for several weeks.
Harvesting Beet Greens and Thinnings
You don’t have to wait for the root to mature to enjoy part of your crop. Young beet greens are a delicacy.
Early Thinnings
When you thin your beet seedlings (to give the remaining plants room to grow), the tiny thinned plants are entirely edible. They make a lovely addition to salads.
Ongoing Leaf Harvest
You can carefully snip a leaf or two from the outer part of the plant throughout the season. Just don’t take to much from any one plant, as it needs leaves to feed the growing root. A light harvest usually won’t harm root development.
Common Problems and Signs to Harvest Early
Sometimes, you need to adjust your plans based on what you see in the garden.
Bolting
If a beet plant sends up a tall flower stalk (bolts), it’s reacting to stress like temperature swings. Once bolting begins, the root often stops growing and becomes woody. Harvest these beets immediately, as they won’t improve.
Pest Damage
Severe insect damage to the leaves can stunt root growth. If the greens are constantly under attack, the beet may not reach it’s full potential. It might be better to harvest what’s there rather than risk losing the root.
Cracking
If you see cracks in the beet shoulders, it often indicates uneven watering (like a dry period followed by heavy rain). These beets are still good to eat, but harvest them soon, as the cracks can be an entry point for decay.
FAQ: Your Beet Harvest Questions Answered
Can you leave beets in the ground too long?
Yes. While they won’t spoil in the ground immediately, they will eventually become tough, woody, and less flavorful. It’s best to harvest them around their ideal size.
What do beets look like when ready?
You’ll see the top of the beet bulb (the shoulders) pushing above the soil line. When brushed clean, they should be the size listed on your seed packet, typically 1.5-3 inches in diameter.
Do beets get bigger the longer they are in the ground?
They do, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. After a certain size, they focus more on becoming fibrous rather than sweeter or more tender.
Can you eat beets that have gotten too big?
Absolutely. Larger beets might need peeling and are excellent for roasting, soups, or pickling where their firmer texture holds up well. Just check for woody cores.
How can you tell if a beet is ripe?
The best way is the taste test. Pull one that looks ready, cook it, and try it. A ripe beet is firm, has smooth skin, and tastes sweet and earthy, not bitter.
Knowing exactly when to pick your beets is a simple skill that comes with a little observation. Start with the seed packet timing, look for those swollen shoulders, and don’t be afraid to pull one early as a test. Your patience will be rewarded with the incredible, garden-fresh flavor of a perfectly harvested beet. Remember, even if you pick them a little early or late, homegrown beets are always a treat.