Zeppo Pelleted (F1) Beet Seed

Scientific name

Beta vulgaris

Pelleted seed

Beet seed is naturally irregular, and a smooth, even pellet helps it run through mechanical planters without jamming. These are size 18.0 pellets made from inert, NOP-compliant materials, suited to seeders with an 18.0 belt and to many precision seeders. They can be too heavy for air or vacuum planters. Keep the soil evenly moist through germination: the first watering splits or dissolves the coating, and if the soil then dries out the seed may not get enough moisture to sprout well.

Storing pellets

Pelleting shortens seed life, so plan to sow within a year of purchase. Until then, keep the seed cool, dark and dry; if you use a refrigerator, seal the seed in an airtight container so it is protected from changes in humidity.

Soil

Beets grow fastest and best in loose or loamy soil above pH 6.0. Cooler weather brings out the deepest color in the roots, while sharp swings in temperature can leave pale rings (zoning) inside.

Transplanting

For an early crop, start seed in a cold frame or indoors 5–6 weeks before planting out, once hard frosts are rare. Sow 1/2" deep, 3–4 seeds per inch, and plant out 3" apart in rows 12–18" apart.

Direct sowing

Start once the soil reaches 45°F (7°C). Sow about 15 seeds per foot, 1/2" deep, in rows 12–18" apart, and thin to 3" apart. For a steady supply of greens and baby beets, sow again every 2 weeks until 8 weeks before hard frosts usually arrive.

Disease and disorders

Steady watering helps prevent scab, the rough brown patches also seen on potatoes. Brown or broken-down flesh inside the root points to boron shortage, most often in alkaline soil after long hot, dry spells. Rotate crops to keep Cercospora leaf spot in check.

Harvest and storage

Loosen the soil, lift the plants, wash and cool them quickly, and keep bunches about 10 days at 32°F (0°C) and 95% relative humidity.

Roots for winter

Sow about 10 weeks before the ground usually freezes hard. Cut off the tops, wash, and store the roots up to 6 months at 32°F (0°C) and 95% humidity.

Days to maturity

Counted from direct sowing; transplanted beets are ready 2–3 weeks sooner.

Seeding rate

At 15 seeds per foot: about 1,000 seeds per 66 ft. and 5,000 per 333 ft.

Packet

250 seeds.

Seeds per lb.

About 10,250 on average.