Sugar beet is different from other beet varieties. Its white root resembles a large carrot that can measure up to 30 cm long and weigh 1 to 2 kg. The leaves and bulb can be consumed, but also transformed into sugar.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds ~200

Difficulty       

Easy

Sowing        

Direct

Lifecycle      

Biennial

Root cellar   

Yes

Sowing season       

Spring, Summer

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 1 cm

optimal temperatures of germination: 18 to 24 ºC

time for germination: 7 to 21 days

When to sow:

direct seeding when the soil can be worked in the spring in your area (beets tolerate cold but not heavy frost) from late April to early June

Seeding technique: in line

Draw a line in the ground (in a pot or in the ground), then sow the seeds in it.

Distance in the garden:

between seeds: 2.5 cm

between plants: 12-15 cm

between rows: 30 cm

Height of the plants: 30 to 60 cm

Soil: loose, well drained and rich

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest: 90 days

Specificities:

Thin out after germination when seedlings have 3 true leaves or are 5 cm tall.

Transplant or consume removed plants.

Beets are at their best when they are at full size (between a golf ball and a tennis ball) or a little younger; if harvested late, they may become fibrous.

Water beets regularly, as lack of water can cause hardening and deformation of the roots. Mulch at the base of the plants during hot weather to keep the soil cool.