Beetroot Farming: Planting, Growing and Harvesting

Beetroots (Beta vulgaris), commonly known as beets are packed with essential vitamins like folate (Vitamin B9), Vitamin C and are a great source of fibre and minerals such as manganese, potassium, and iron plus some of which even have medicinal properties. 

Beetroot Benefits

Beetroots and beetroot juice are related to numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower vital sign, and lots of those benefits which can be taken from one plant.  

The main plant compounds in beetroots are betanin & vulgaxanthin (betaxanthin), which gives a strong red colour to plant. 

Planting  

The ideal planting ids from August to January and requires a well-prepared bed with fertile soil. Be sure to remove all stones and rocks from planting beds so as not to split growing roots which can decline in productivity. Add manure to growing beds in advance of planting for good growth. Beets grow best where the soil pH is 6.0 - 6.8 and temperature 75-80 °F. 

Growing 

Sow the plant sapling 2-3 weeks before the last average frost date in spring and continue succession plantings every three weeks until temperatures reach 75-80°F. Beets can again be planted in late summer or early autumn 6-8 weeks before the first average frost in the fall season. Beets require 45 to 65 days to reach full harvest. Beets can tolerate frost but will go to seed if temperatures are too cold. Planting and Spacing Beets is a must. Beets are grown from seed clusters about the size of a small pea and each cluster contains several seeds. Even beets generally do not transplant well. Companion plants such as onions, kohlrabi can be planted in between beets. 

Harvesting  

Beets reach the harvestable size of 1 to 3 inches in diameter within 40 to 80 days after sowing. Pull out beets gently. Twist the leaves off rather than cutting them off to prevent juices from bleeding. Storing and Preserving Beets is also important and beets will keep for 1 to 3 months in damp sawdust in a cold, moist place.  

Beets have long been considered an aphrodisiac: Ancient Greeks thought that Aphrodite, their goddess of love, used them to enhance her appeal.