The seedlings may not emerge at the same time. ![]() Seeds generally germinate in 4 to 10 days. Each cluster is smaller than a pea seed and can produce several seedlings. In wide beds or intensive plantings, thin beet seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart. Sow beet seeds ½ to 1 inch deep in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Beets prefer alkaline soil over acidic soil, pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Work compost into the soil at planting time. Remove from the planting bed stones and dirt clods or roots that might cause beetroots to become malformed. Beets prefer well-worked, loose soil that is rich in organic matter. Beets will grow in full sun or light shade. Protect the seedlings from pests and cold for two to three weeks after planting covering them with a cloche or plastic tunnel or cold frame. Common pest enemies are aphids and flea beetles.Fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion at half strength.Avoid planting beets where spinach of Swiss chard has grown recently.Grow beets in full sun for best yield-tolerate partial shade.Beets prefer a soil pH range of at least 6.0 but not greater than 7.5.Beets grow best when daytime temperatures are in the 60s☏ (mid-teens Celsius). ![]() Make additional sowing at 3-week intervals for a continuous harvest, but time sowing so that the crop does not mature in hot weather.The seeds should germinate in 5 to 8 days at an optimal temperature of 77☏ (25☌) or thereabouts.Adding aged compost to planting beds in advance of sowing will feed the soil and aid moisture retention. To improve germination sow seed at dusk or on a cool, cloudy day.Pre-soaking the seed in water before sowing can aid germination soaking loosens the seed coat which contains a germination-inhibiting chemical.Beet seeds are actually an aggregate of seeds-a seed ball of 2 or 3 individual seeds if germination is complete, the seedlings will have to be thinned. ![]()
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