Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Ruby Queen Beet is an easy to grow and traditional beet variety that produces uniform, 3-inch, globe-shaped roots with bright pinkish red rings throughout the center. Both the root and the foliage on top are edible and have a mild and earthy flavor. This variety is tolerant to frost and can even be grown in large containers on porches or patios. Try using your garden-fresh Ruby Queen Beets roasted with brown sugar, grated into a slaw, or pickled.
NAME: Beet (Beta vulgaris)
VARIETY: Ruby Queen
DAYS TO MATURITY: 50 – 55
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 9
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Sun
SOIL: Fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 – 7.0
PLANT HEIGHT: 7 – 10 inches
SPACING: 3 – 4 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 85°F
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
While Ruby Queen Beets can technically be started indoors, it’s generally not recommended. Beet roots can be sensitive to transplanting, and starting them indoors can increase the risk of transplant shock. It’s best to sow seeds directly outdoors.
To start seeds indoors, fill seed trays or small pots with a high-quality, well-draining seed-starting mix. 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
Sow the seeds ½ inch deep in the soil, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Place the seed trays in a location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights.
Beets germinate best in cooler temperatures around 50-75°F (10-24°C).
Seeds typically germinate within 5-10 days.
Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors in prepared garden beds
Directly sow seeds outdoors in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Sow the seeds ½ inch deep and space them 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced about 12-18 inches apart into your prepared garden bed.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5-10 days.
Thin seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart once they have developed their first true leaves to allow for proper root development.
Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches and removing any debris or weeds.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. Beets prefer even moisture to prevent cracking and promote steady growth.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea when seedlings are established and again when they reach about 4-6 inches in height.
Once they emerge and the foliage greens get to be 3 inches tall, thin the seedlings out to 3 inches apart; this will allow space for the beetroots to develop into a sizable bulb
Monitor for pests such as aphids, leaf miners, and flea beetles, and treat as needed with organic pest control methods.
You may also plant these seeds in large, deep containers outside; these instructions would still apply
Harvest after 50 to 60 days by gently gripping the entire foliage of the beetroot and pulling upwards.; use a small spade if foliage separates from the beetroot
Trim the tops of the beets, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached, and rinse off any soil.
Store harvested beets in a cool, dark place with high humidity to prolong their shelf life.
