How to Grow Beets in Colorado

Growing beets is a rewarding endeavor, especially in the diverse climate of Colorado. Known for its high elevation and varying temperatures, Colorado presents unique challenges and advantages for beet cultivation. This article will guide you through the process of successfully growing beets in this beautiful state.

Understanding Beet Varieties

Before diving into the cultivation process, it’s essential to understand the different types of beets you can grow. The two primary categories are:

• Root Beets: These are the common red beets that most people are familiar with. They are often used in salads, soups, and even smoothies.
• Greens: Beet greens are the leafy tops of the beetroot plant and are edible, offering a nutritious addition to various dishes.

In Colorado, the most commonly grown varieties include:

1. Detroit Dark Red: A classic choice known for its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
2. Chioggia: An Italian heirloom variety with striking red and white concentric rings.
3. Golden Beets: These beets offer a milder flavor and a beautiful golden hue, making them an attractive addition to your garden.

Choosing the right variety based on your taste preference and intended use is crucial for a successful harvest.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Soil Requirements

Beets thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Ideally, beetroot prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

To prepare your soil:

1. Amend with Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
2. Ensure Drainage: If your soil retains too much water, consider raised beds or adding sand to improve drainage.

Climate Considerations

Colorado’s climate can vary significantly from one region to another, with some areas experiencing harsh winters while others enjoy milder conditions. Beets prefer cooler weather; thus, they grow best when planted during early spring or late summer.

1. Spring Planting: In most regions, plant your seeds from mid-April to early June.
2. Fall Planting: For a fall harvest, sow seeds from mid-July to late August.

Be mindful of frost dates in your area; beets can tolerate light frosts but will struggle if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.

Planting Beets

Seed Selection

Choose high-quality seeds from reputable suppliers. Check the seed packets for information on planting depth, spacing, and germination rates.

Sowing Seeds

1. Prepare Rows: Create rows spaced about 12 inches apart.
2. Plant Seeds: Sow seeds approximately 1 inch apart at a depth of ½ inch.
3. Watering: After planting, gently water the rows to ensure good seed-to-soil contact without washing away the seeds.

Thinning Seedlings

After germination (which typically takes 5-10 days), thin seedlings to about 3-4 inches apart to give each beet sufficient space to grow. Thinning ensures healthier plants and larger roots.

Watering and Fertilizing Beets

Watering Needs

Beets require consistent moisture for optimal growth, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

1. Frequency: Water deeply once a week or more frequently in hot weather.
2. Mulching: Applying mulch around your beet plants helps retain moisture while suppressing weeds.

Fertilization

While beets do not need heavy fertilization, providing them with adequate nutrients is essential for healthy growth.

• Initial Fertilization: When preparing your soil, mix in a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 NPK) according to package instructions.
• Side Dressing: About halfway through their growth cycle, you may apply additional nitrogen fertilizer if you notice slow growth or pale leaves.

Pest and Disease Management

While beets are generally hardy plants, they can still fall victim to pests and diseases:

Common Pests

1. Aphids: Small insects that can cause leaf curl; control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Flea Beetles: Tiny jumping pests that create holes in leaves; use row covers to protect young plants.
3. Leaf Miners: These pests create tunnels in leaves; remove infected leaves promptly.

Common Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: Fungal disease appearing as white powdery spots; improve air circulation around plants.
2. Root Rot: Caused by overwatering; ensure proper drainage and avoid watering directly on leaves.

Regularly inspect your beet plants for signs of trouble and act quickly to mitigate any issues that arise.

Harvesting Beets

Knowing when to harvest is key for enjoying delicious beetroots at their peak flavor:

1. Timing: Beets are usually ready for harvest 50-70 days after sowing, depending on the variety.
2. Signs of Maturity: The tops of the roots should swell above the ground surface when they reach their desired size (typically 1-3 inches in diameter).
3. Harvest Method: Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the root carefully before pulling them up by hand.

Beet greens can also be harvested throughout the growing season by cutting outer leaves while leaving inner leaves intact for continued growth.

Storing Beets

Once harvested, proper storage prolongs freshness:

• Cleaning Beets: Do not wash beets before storage; dirt helps protect them from moisture loss.
• Trimming Greens: Cut off greens leaving about an inch of stem attached; this prevents spoilage during storage.
• Storage Conditions: Store unwashed beets in a cool (32°F), dark place with high humidity (such as a root cellar) or in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to several months.

Conclusion

Growing beets in Colorado is not only feasible but also enjoyable! With careful planning regarding soil preparation, planting times, watering needs, pest management, and harvesting techniques, you can cultivate healthy and delicious beetroots that thrive in Colorado’s unique climate. Whether you’re aiming for a vibrant salad or homemade pickled beets for winter storage, following these guidelines will lead you toward successful beet cultivation that will enhance your home gardening experience for years to come!