Badger Flame Beet Growing Guide

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Beta vulgaris

DAYS TO MATURITY

80 days; 55 days for small beets

FIELD NOTES

• Soil Requirements: Light, workable, well-drained soils with an optimal pH of over 6.0. Boron deficiency can cause internal browning; confirm adequate boron levels with a soil test.
• The flame-like colors deepen as the season progresses.

SPACING AFTER THINNING/TRANSPLANTING

• Plant spacing: 3-4” depending on desired size
• Row spacing: 12-18”  

DIRECT SEEDING

• Sow seeds 1/2 deep 4-5 weeks before last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 45˚F. Can be seeded throughout the season until 8 weeks prior to hard frost.
• Sow seeds every 1”; thin seedlings to 3-4’’ apart depending on desired size.
• 5-8 days to emergence, slower in cold soil.

TRANSPLANTING

• Start seeds indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost. Sow seeds 1/2” deep. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 85˚F.
• Start seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest until 8 weeks before hard frost.
• Harden off for 3-5 days, protecting seedlings from wind, strong sun, hard rain, and cold.

PEST + DISEASE INFO

Diseases: Cercospora leaf spot: rotate crops. Scab: irrigate well.

HARVEST

Harvest when roots reach desired size, before hard freeze. Full size is 6-7" long.

STORAGE

Wash and dry before storage. Cut tops at 1" above the crown. Store at 32˚F and 95% humidity for best results. Will store up to 6 months. Monitor quality.

SEED SPECS

Average 2,000 seeds/ounce, 30,000 seeds/pound.