- Hardiness Zone: 2-10 Biennial Typically Grown As Annual
Why You’ll Love It
Sugar Beet is a traditional heirloom variety grown for its high sugar content and large, conical roots. Whether you're growing for homemade beet syrup, natural sugar processing, or as a nutritious livestock feed, this versatile crop delivers big yields. The roots can reach 3–5 pounds each, and the leafy tops can also be harvested for nutrient-rich greens. Hardy and adaptable, Sugar Beets thrive in cool climates and are ideal for spring and fall gardens.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright leafy greens with large tapered roots
Root Type: White, elongated, and heavy — often 3–5 pounds at full maturity
Days to Maturity: 90–120 days
Hardiness: Cool-season biennial grown as an annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mildly sweet and earthy with a clean, starchy finish
Culinary Uses: Primarily grown for sugar extraction, homemade beet syrup, and livestock feed. Can be boiled or roasted when young, though not as tender as table beets.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Onions, bush beans, and leafy greens
Avoid Planting Near: Pole beans and field mustard
Bonus Benefit: Dual-use crop — sweet roots for processing and leafy tops for animals or compost
Common Issues and Solutions
Slow Growth: Requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil — amend with compost or organic fertilizer
Overcrowding: Thin seedlings early to allow room for large root development
Leaf Spot or Aphids: Space plants for airflow and manage pests with insecticidal soap if needed
Seeds Per Packet
| 3g | Approximately 159 |
| 7g | Approximately 371 |
| 10g | Approximately 530 |
| 15g | Approximately 795 |
Why You’ll Love It
Sugar Beet is a traditional heirloom variety grown for its high sugar content and large, conical roots. Whether you're growing for homemade beet syrup, natural sugar processing, or as a nutritious livestock feed, this versatile crop delivers big yields. The roots can reach 3–5 pounds each, and the leafy tops can also be harvested for nutrient-rich greens. Hardy and adaptable, Sugar Beets thrive in cool climates and are ideal for spring and fall gardens.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 12–18 inches
Growth Habit: Upright leafy greens with large tapered roots
Root Type: White, elongated, and heavy — often 3–5 pounds at full maturity
Days to Maturity: 90–120 days
Hardiness: Cool-season biennial grown as an annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mildly sweet and earthy with a clean, starchy finish
Culinary Uses: Primarily grown for sugar extraction, homemade beet syrup, and livestock feed. Can be boiled or roasted when young, though not as tender as table beets.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Onions, bush beans, and leafy greens
Avoid Planting Near: Pole beans and field mustard
Bonus Benefit: Dual-use crop — sweet roots for processing and leafy tops for animals or compost
Common Issues and Solutions
Slow Growth: Requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil — amend with compost or organic fertilizer
Overcrowding: Thin seedlings early to allow room for large root development
Leaf Spot or Aphids: Space plants for airflow and manage pests with insecticidal soap if needed
Seeds Per Packet
| 3g | Approximately 159 |
| 7g | Approximately 371 |
| 10g | Approximately 530 |
| 15g | Approximately 795 |
Seed Depth: 1/2–1 inch
Seed Spacing: 4–6 inches
Row Spacing: 18–24 inches
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Sprout: 7–14 days
Days to Maturity: 90–120 days
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy biennial (grown as an annual for roots)
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Soil Type: Prefers loose, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Remove rocks and debris for uniform root development.
When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/2–1 inch deep, spacing them 4–6 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart to promote proper root growth.
Indoor Sowing: Not recommended; direct sowing is best for root crops.
Succession Planting: Sow every 2–3 weeks during cooler months for staggered harvests.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season to encourage healthy root and foliage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth over roots.
Pruning: No pruning necessary; greens can be harvested sparingly without harming root development.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for leaf miners, aphids, and fungal diseases. Use row covers and organic treatments as necessary.
When to Harvest: Harvest roots when they are 3–5 inches in diameter, typically 90–120 days after planting. Greens can be harvested earlier for fresh use.
How to Harvest: Loosen soil around the roots with a garden fork and gently pull beets from the ground. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Seed Collection: Allow some plants to bolt and flower in the second year. Collect seeds from dry seed pods.
Storing Seeds: Dry seeds thoroughly and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
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