Knowing when to plant beets in Virginia is the first step to a succesful harvest of sweet, earthy roots. Getting the timing right means you can enjoy beets from spring through fall, and even into winter.
This guide will walk you through the best planting windows for your region, from the coastal plains to the mountain valleys. We’ll cover soil prep, variety selection, and how to extend your season for a continuous supply.
When to Plant Beets in Virginia
Virginia’s climate ranges from USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 8a. This means planting dates can shift by several weeks depending on where you live. Beets are a cool-season crop, thriving in the milder temperatures of spring and fall.
They can handle a light frost, which actually makes them taste sweeter. But they struggle in the heat of a Virginia summer, which can cause them to become woody or bolt to seed prematurely.
Spring Planting
For a spring harvest, you’ll want to get seeds in the ground early. The goal is to mature the beets before the summer heat arrives.
* Coastal Plain & Piedmont (Zones 7a-8a): Plant from mid-February to late March. You can start as soon as the soil is workable.
* Mountain & Valley Regions (Zones 5b-6b): Wait until late March through mid-April. Soil temperature should be at least 45°F for good germination.
Fall Planting
Fall is often the best time for growing beets in Virginia. The cooling temperatures create ideal conditions for steady, sweet growth. Planting in late summer allows the roots to develop in the fall.
* Coastal Plain & Piedmont (Zones 7a-8a): Plant from mid-August to late September.
* Mountain & Valley Regions (Zones 5b-6b): Aim for a planting window from early August to early September.
For a winter harvest of storage beets, you can plant a bit later in fall and mulch heavily to protect them from hard freezes.
Preparing Your Soil for Beet Success
Beets need loose, well-draining soil to form those perfect round roots. If the soil is too heavy or rocky, roots may become misshapen or stunted.
Start by removing any stones or debris from the top 8-10 inches of soil. Beets prefer a slightly sweet soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can test your soil with a simple kit from a garden center.
Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will encourage leafy tops at the expense of root development. A key tip is to ensure there is enough boron in the soil; a deficiency can lead to black, hard spots inside the beet. Adding a bit of compost usually provides enough.
Choosing the Right Beet Varieties for Virginia
Selecting varieties suited to your season can make a big difference. Here are some excellent choices:
* ‘Detroit Dark Red’: A classic, reliable variety good for both spring and fall.
* ‘Chioggia’: An Italian heirloom with beautiful red and white concentric rings inside.
* ‘Golden’: A yellow beet that doesn’t bleed and has a milder, sweeter flavor.
* ‘Cylindra’: A cylindrical shape that’s perfect for slicing and can be planted closer together.
* ‘Bull’s Blood’: Grown primarily for its stunning, deep red leaves, but it produces a good root too.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps for planting your beet seeds.
1. Soak Seeds: Beet seeds have a tough outer coat. Soaking them in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting can speed up germination.
2. Sow in Rows: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
3. Water Gently: Keep the seedbed consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 5-14 days.
4. Thin Seedlings: This is crucial. Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them to stand 3-4 inches apart. The thinnings are delicious in salads!
Caring for Your Growing Beets
Consistent care is simple but important for a healthy crop.
Watering: Beets need about 1 inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Fluctuating moisture can cause roots to crack.
Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures cooler in summer and warmer in fall.
Weeding: Weed carefully by hand, as beets have shallow roots that can be easily disturbed. Mulch will greatly reduce this chore.
Fertilizing: If your soil was prepared well, little extra fertilizer is needed. A mid-season side dressing of compost or a balanced, low-nitrogen organic fertilizer can give them a boost if growth seems slow.
Harvesting and Storing Your Crop
You can start harvesting beet greens whenever they look large enough to eat. For the roots, they are typically ready 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety.
You can harvest “baby beets” when they are about 1-2 inches in diameter for tender eating. For full-sized roots, wait until they are 3-4 inches across. Don’t let them get too large, or they may become tough.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the beet with a garden fork and pull it up by the base of the stems. Twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem to prevent bleeding during cooking. Store unwashed beets in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer or a root cellar. They can last for several months.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even the best gardeners face a few challenges. Here’s how to handle common beet issues:
* Poor Germination: Often caused by crusted soil. Keep soil moist and consider covering seeds with a light layer of compost or vermiculite instead of heavy garden soil.
* Leaf Miners: These pests create squiggly white trails in leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Floating row covers planted immediately after sowing can prevent the fly from laying eggs.
* Scabby Roots: Rough patches on the beet surface are often from soil-borne disease. Maintaining proper soil pH (not too acidic) and rotating crops each year helps prevent this.
* Bolting: If a beet plant sends up a flower stalk prematurely, it’s usually due to planting too late in spring or a period of cold followed by heat. Stick to the recommended planting windows.
FAQ: Your Beet Planting Questions Answered
Can I plant beets in July in Virginia?
In most of Virginia, July is too hot for direct seeding. However, in the cooler mountain regions, a late July planting for a fall harvest can work. It’s better to wait until August for most areas.
How late can you plant beets in Virginia?
For a fall harvest that you’ll dig before hard frost, plant by late September. For a winter harvest of mulched-in roots, you can push to early October in zones 7 and 8.
Can I grow beets in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure it has excellent drainage. Container beets may need water more frequently.
Why are my beet leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can indicate a few things: overwatering, poor drainage, a nitrogen deficiency, or a disease like leaf spot. Check your soil moisture first and ensure plants are properly thinned for good air circulation.
Can you plant beet seeds in the fall?
Yes, fall planting is excellent in Virginia. The cooling weather is ideal for root development and often produces the sweetest beets.
Getting your planting times correct is the most important factor for a great beet harvest. By following these regional guidelines and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy homegrown beets for much of the year. Remember to keep records of what varieties and planting dates work best in your specific garden—this is the ultimate secret to becoming an even better gardener.