Super Easy Guide for Growing Beets Indoors
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 9, 2023
Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to growing beets? But you don’t have enough outdoor space. Well, you can grow beets indoors, by following the right strategies.
Beet not only provides a feast for your eyes but is also packed with wholesome nutrition. They are enriched with folate, manganese, and copper, which have multiple health benefits.
This guide covers easy-to-follow steps and expert advice that will help you start growing beets indoors successfully.
Let’s dig deeper!
About Beets
Commonly, beets are also known as beetroot, sugar beet, Roman kale, Garden beet, or Swiss Chard. The earthy-tasting vegetable belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. They are cool-season crops that thrive in fertile, well-drained soils in sunny locations. If the growing beets are exposed to frosty weather for a few weeks, they taste better. Typically, beets are grown for their roots, but they can also be produced for their edible leafy tops.
Growing Conditions
Light:Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil Texture: High Organic Matter
Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist
Available Space To Plant: Less than 12 inches
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b, 11b
How to Choose the Right Container?
For growing beets indoors, you need to pick a container that is suitable for the successful growth of beets. You can select a 10-liter to 15-liter pot with a depth ranging from 20 cm to 30 cm. Whatever size you choose, it should have drainage holes in the bottom.
How to Choose the Right varieties?
While growing beets indoors, it’s important to pick the right varieties compatible with your container size. For a beginner garden, ‘Avalanche’, ‘Red Ace’, ‘Moulin Rouge’, and ‘Kestrel’ are some of the best picks for a container. Make sure not to choose the cylindrical but rounded varieties.
How To Grow Beets?
1
Soil Preparation
Beets grow best in deep, sandy, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter and have good drainage. Compost must be applied in substantial quantities to heavy soils to promote healthy root growth. To prepare the soil for planting, mix in up to 2-4 inches of organic matter that has been properly composted, and then apply 2-4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8 or 10-10-10) per 100 square feet. Work this into the soil’s top six inches.
2
Planting and Spacing
Beets are always cultivated from seeds. After the soil reaches 40°F, beets can be planted. It takes 7–14 days for seeds to sprout, and they thrive best between 55–75°F. Over 80°F reduces the germination of seeds. The ideal temperature for beetroot growth is no more than 85°F. A lot of gardeners plant beets at 2- to 3-week intervals to ensure a consistent supply all year.
Seeds should be sown 1 to 2 inches deep. Crusting soils will hinder the emergence of seedlings and have an impact on plants. To achieve strong plant stands, keep the soil surface even and moist. Beetroot seeds should be planted 3 to 4 inches apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
3
Watering and fertilization
Regularly hydrate beets. The amount of water needed varies by soil type. Adding mulch around the plants aids in retaining soil moisture. If you can, use drip irrigation. Variations in moisture lead to root breaking, poor leaf growth, and low yields. Premature flowering and poor yields are frequently caused by water stress during the first six weeks of growth.
Apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) six weeks after emergence to promote robust growth of the plants. Place the fertilizer adjacent to the plants, then irrigate the soil to incorporate it. For adequate growth, beets need sufficient boron. Low boron levels in the soil are typically indicated by black, sunken areas on or in the root.
4
Managing Pests and diseases
Mostly, beets are not susceptible to many plant problems. But you may encounter the following insects and diseases while growing beets indoors.
- Leaf miners: These look like small maggots that are white in color, burrowing, and feeding in the leaves. They leave a lacy trail. They do not have a significant effect on the plant yield, but they make the beet leaves less usable.
- Flea Beetles: These are small black-colored beetles feeding on seedlings. Adults create tiny holes in the seedlings or cotyledons and leaves, resulting in a reduction in plant stand and even the killing of the plants. These can be controlled by applying insecticides at seeding stage or after the formation of the seedling.
- Leaf Spots: These are caused by a fungal disease that results in circular spots on the leaves. Plants usually catch leaf spots late in the year or when they remain wet for long periods of time.
- Root Rot: This is also a type of fungal disease that causes the rotting and decay of the roots. It may affect the yield of the plants. It can be controlled effectively with improved soil drainage, and seed treatments.
5
Harvest And Storage
As soon as the roots start growing big, beets are ready to be harvested. Generally, depending on the type, roots reach maturity 60 to 80 days after sowing. The roots tend to become stronger and more fibrous as they grow bigger. Pull up necessary plants by the tips and clip off leaves after loosening the soil with a digging fork. For 2-4 months, wash and store at 32°F and 95% relative humidity. Young leaves can also be cooked and consumed. When beetroot leaves reach a height of 4-6 inches, harvest them. Before severe frosts or freezes, beets should be harvested.
Let's grow beets!
So, you’ve got all the nitty-gritty of growing beets indoors. It’s time to put the knowledge to the best use. By following these super easy techniques and strategies, you’ll be on your way to growing beets in no time.
With a little sweat, you can transform your indoor space into a mini-beet garden. So, start sowing seeds today and reap the juicy, nutritious veggies later.
Check out growing guide for onions, cucumbers, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli.
