Beets are a cool weather crop in north Florida. For best results, seeds should be sowed September through early March.  Varieties recommended for Florida are Early Wonder, Detroit Dark Red, Cylindra, Red Ace and Little Ball.

Beet “seeds” are actually dried fruit that contain several very small true seeds. To help speed germination, presoak the seeds for 2 to 12 hours before planting. Use fresh seeds for best results.

Prepare the soil for planting about 3 to 4 weeks before sowing the seeds. Work in a 2 inch layer of compost or other organic material such as shredded leaves or dried grass clippings. Dig the deep and work the soil well. Remove all rocks and any other debris that will interfere with bulb development. Before planting, mix in a good quality fertilizer (10-10-10) with minor elements (follow the directions on the label for the proper amount to use).

Plant seeds about a half inch deep and space them about every inch or so. Seedlings will eventually be thinned so that the spacing between plants is 4 to 6 inches. Rows should be 18 inches apart.

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Use a small pair of scissors to removed unwanted seedlings and for thinning. Pulling them out of the soil disturbs the roots of the plants that remain. As the plants grow, always weed carefully by hand for the same reason. Early thinnings make a wonderful addition to salads.

Carefully side dress the plants with a 10-10-10 fertilizer about 30 days after planting.

Depending on the variety and weather, beets mature in about 50 to 80 days. Harvest two to three weeks early for baby beets. For the most flavor, harvest your beets when the roots are the size of a golf ball.