Question:
When can I sow beet seeds?Answer:
Sow beet seeds at a depth of ½ to 1 inch in early April in central Iowa. Additional plantings can be made every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest. The last practical planting date for a fall crop is August 1. Rows should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. When the seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, thin the planting. After thinning, plants should be spaced 3 to 4 inches apart.
Suggested beet varieties for Iowa include ‘Ruby Queen’ (deep red, globe-shaped), ‘Red Ace’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Detroit Dark Red’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Pacemaker III’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Cylindra’ (dark red, cylindrical), ‘Burpee’s Golden’ (yellow-orange, globe-shaped), and ‘Chioggia’ (flesh consists of red and white concentric rings).