When it comes to expanding your homestead garden’s vegetable repertoire, beets are an excellent choice. These versatile roots come in a range of varieties, each offering unique characteristics and health benefits. Whether you’re looking to add some crunch to your salads or seeking a nutritious boost, beets can be enjoyed raw or cooked. One of the most compelling reasons to grow beets is their ability to support athletic performance.
Beetroot juice has been shown to enhance blood flow and reduce muscle soreness after exercise by increasing oxygen uptake into tissues. And it’s not just athletes who can benefit – anyone looking for a nutritious addition to their diet will find value in growing beets. So, which beet variety should you choose? Here are some top picks for your backyard garden this spring.
Best Beet Varieties to Grow
Looking to inject some excitement into your spring or fall garden? One simple way to do so is by incorporating a diverse range of beet varieties into your planting schedule. With their vibrant colors, earthy flavors, and impressive nutritional profiles, beets are an excellent addition to any garden, offering something for everyone.
Avalanche
Avalanche’, an open-pollinated cultivar of beet, boasts a striking white color and is renowned for its mild, sweet flavor. Unlike other beets that can be bitter, ‘Avalanche’ offers all the sweetness you crave without any of the unpleasantness. Its crunchy texture makes it ideal for consuming raw in salads, while also pairing well with soups and stews. When harvested at around 2-3 inches in diameter, these beets typically take less than 50 days to mature.
Furthermore, their greens are entirely edible. One of the most appealing aspects of ‘Avalanche’ is that you won’t need to worry about those dreaded red stains on your hands and cutting board during preparation.
Bull’s Blood
In 1986, ‘Bull’s Blood’ made its debut, born from the Crapaudine beet, a lesser-known French variety. This unique beet boasts a vibrant reddish-purple hue and is accompanied by dark purple leaves that possess a delectable flavor profile. While its roots can be harvested as microgreens or matured for consumption, it’s worth noting that they are particularly prized when young due to their sweet, earthy taste, devoid of bitterness.
Avenger
For gardeners seeking a reliable source of both delectable leaves and vibrant roots, ‘Avenger’ is an outstanding beet variety to consider. This hybrid beet boasts a remarkably short maturation period of approximately 60-70 days, making it an ideal choice for growers with limited time or a desire for a quick turnaround.
Chioggia
Chioggia beets, while unassuming at first glance, reveal a stunning surprise when cut open. Their deep red color can initially lead one to mistake them for radishes, but as you gaze upon their inner rings, you’re met with a psychedelic display of concentric white and pink hues. This heirloom cultivar is not only a treat for the eyes but also adds an unexpected pop of color to any meal – just be aware that the vibrant rings will fade when cooked, making raw consumption a more appealing option.
In 60 days, Chioggia beets reach maturity, but their leafy greens can be harvested at any time, offering a fresh and nutritious bonus.
Big Red
The ‘Big Red’ beet stands out as a rapid-maturing option, ideal for those in northern climates. Its impressive yield makes it an excellent choice for late-season harvests, with roots reaching maturity in approximately 55 days.
Crosby Egyptian
Among the many popular beet varieties, ‘Crosby Egyptian’ stands out as a treasured heirloom cultivar that made its way to the American market during the late 1800s. This early-maturing variety is remarkable for its ability to reach harvestable readiness in just 55 days, making it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking to capitalize on the bountiful flavors of fall before the first frost sets in.
Moreover, ‘Crosby Egyptian’ boasts impressive cold tolerance, rendering it an ideal selection for northern growers looking to cultivate a successful early fall crop.
Forono
Unique among beet varieties, ‘Forono’ beets boast a cylindrical shape that makes them simplicity itself to slice into thin rounds or cubes. Reaching lengths of up to 8 inches, these versatile roots mature in a remarkably short 60 days, allowing gardeners to enjoy their sweet and earthy flavor in no time.
Cylindra
‘Cylindra’ heirloom beets are a great choice for home gardeners who enjoy preserving their harvest. Their elongated roots have a smooth, deep red color and a sweet, earthy flavor that makes them perfect for canning or pickling. Each root grows to around 6-8 inches long and only about an inch in diameter, making them ideal for smaller gardens or those with compact soil conditions.
Not only do these beets taste great when cooked, but their leaves are also edible and can be harvested in just 35 days. The roots take a bit longer to mature, requiring around 60-70 days. This variety is perfect for small-scale growers who want to maximize space without sacrificing flavor.
Lutz Green Leaf
For gardeners who want to stockpile a bounty of beets in their root cellar, ‘Lutz Green Leaf’ beets are an exceptional choice. Characterized by their impressive size, reaching approximately six inches in diameter, these versatile beets can be savored roasted, pickled, or enjoyed raw. When storing beets for the long haul, it’s crucial to allow them to reach full maturity at around 65 days old, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful for several months.
Detroit Dark Red
While ‘Detroit Dark Red’ beets may have started as a turnip variety, there’s no mistaking them once you take a bite. These roots boast mild, sweet, and tender skins that are perfect for a range of uses – from canning and slicing to roasting. And the beauty is, they’re delicious raw or cooked. One of the standout features of ‘Detroit Dark Red’ beets is their rapid maturity; they’re ready for harvest in just 60 days.
But that’s not all – the greens are also edible and can be enjoyed in as little as 35 days, making this variety a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to get a quick return on their investment.
Merlin
‘Merlin’, a mystical red-rooted beet hybrid, boasts impressive traits that set it apart from its peers. Specifically engineered for exceptional temperature tolerance – able to thrive in both scorching heat and freezing cold alike – this variety also boasts an unusually high sugar content and disease resistance. The result is a beet that offers the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness when enjoyed raw, while remaining tender and delicious when cooked.
Di Chioggia
‘Di Chioggia’, an Italian heirloom variety, stands out as a quicker-growing alternative to the traditional Chioggia beet. Reaching maturity in just 50 days, this sweet-tasting gem boasts a striking striped white and red interior, accompanied by a mild flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Its endearing personality only adds to its charm, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Moulin Rouge
For those looking for an additional option, ‘Moulin Rouge’ is another hybrid beet cultivar worth exploring. Characterized by its succulent texture and globe-shaped roots that typically measure around 1-2 inches in diameter, this variety offers a relatively fast harvest period of just 35-50 days, making it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking to maximize their yield.
Early Wonder
Early Wonder beet varieties, such as ‘Boston Crosby’ and ‘Nuttings Gem’, were first introduced to the US in 1911, offering gardeners a rich selection of heirloom plants. What sets these beets apart is their ability to thrive in multiple ways – not only do they produce delicious roots, but also nutritious greens that are perfect for those who appreciate the versatility of this root vegetable.
The leaves of Early Wonder beets are renowned for their rapid growth and delectable flavor, making them a prime choice for harvesting as baby greens. In fact, it typically takes less than 50 days for these greens to mature, providing gardeners with a quick and rewarding harvest experience.
Red Ace
‘Red Ace’ beets are a type of hybrid that boasts impressive adaptability, thriving in a diverse range of soil conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners who may have varying types of soil, including clay-based mixes. Additionally, these beets exhibit remarkable resilience when it comes to cold temperatures, making them a reliable option for cultivating in cooler climates.
Golden
When it comes to introducing beets to picky eaters – including kids – the key is to find ways to make them more appealing. One strategy is to use golden beets, which have a natural sweetness and a unique appearance when cooked that can help disguise their true identity. When cooked, they resemble potatoes rather than beets, making them a great option for kids who might be hesitant to try new vegetables.
But golden beets are more than just a clever way to get kids to eat their veggies.
They’re also an heirloom cultivar that’s ready for harvest in as little as 55 days, with the added benefit of having edible tops that can be harvested in just 40 days. This makes them a great option for gardeners who want to enjoy multiple harvests from a single crop.
Sangria
‘Sangria’, an open-pollinated variety, typically takes around 55 days to mature from sowing seeds. This cultivar stands out for its exceptional tolerance to temperature fluctuations and heat waves, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking consistent results.
Golden Detroit
When it comes to exploring the world of beets, ‘Golden Detroit’ is another variety worth considering. Its unique characteristic is its 3-inch long, orangish-yellow roots that boast an exceptional flavor profile when cooked or consumed raw. What’s more, the leaves on this particular beet are highly sought after by home cooks due to their mild taste and lack of bitterness, making them suitable for harvesting just 40 days after planting.
Red Ball
While ‘Red Ball’ may not revolutionize the world of beets, it does offer a straightforward growing experience. One of its notable features is its prolific production of leafy greens, which can be regularly harvested for their versatility in a range of culinary applications – from rich sauces to crisp salads and savory stir-fries.
Ruby Queen
When considering heirloom beet cultivars, ‘Ruby Queen’ is definitely worth a look. One of its unique advantages is its ability to thrive in poor soils, eliminating the need for extensive soil amendments before planting. The resulting roots are plump and packed with flavor, making them ideal for canning or enjoying fresh straight from the garden.
Warrior
While ‘Warrior’ beets may not be the quickest to mature, taking approximately 57 days to reach full growth, their slow pace is more than made up for by their exceptional flavor. The payoff comes in the form of evenly shaped roots that consistently deliver a delicious taste experience.
White Detroit
Wrapping up the list of exciting beet varieties, we have ‘White Detroit.’ This variety boasts a naturally sweet and robust flavor profile, making it a delightful addition to any garden or table. With a remarkably short maturation period of just 55 days, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor in no time.
Touchstone Gold
For those seeking to introduce golden beets into their family’s meal routine without a fuss, ‘Touchstone Gold’ is an excellent choice. Its mild and sweet flavor profile makes it equally enjoyable when consumed cooked or raw, while the leaves are also edible and packed with flavor. What’s more, this variety is ready for harvest in just 55 days, making it an ideal option for those looking to get a quick start on their gardening endeavors.
Why You Should Grow Several Kinds Of Beets
If you’re struggling to decide which type of beets to grow, consider planting multiple varieties instead. This approach offers numerous benefits, starting with the freedom to choose from a wide range of flavors and textures in your cooking, preserving, and canning endeavors. Additionally, many beet varieties are easy to store, allowing you to enjoy fresh beets even during the winter months when they’re typically out of season.
By growing multiple types, you’ll also gain flexibility in your harvest schedule, as different varieties mature at different times. Furthermore, some beets can be used as livestock feed, providing an added layer of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Quick Tips for Growing Beets
When it comes to growing beets, there’s no need to look any further than our comprehensive guide on the subject. However, if you’re eager to get started right away, here are a few key takeaways: Firstly, make sure you choose a spot with loose, well-draining soil – while some beet varieties can thrive in poor conditions, most will yield a more abundant harvest in fertile, aerated ground.
Consistent and even watering is also crucial; aim for at least 1-2 inches of water per week, and don’t forget to keep those pesky weeds under control by regular weeding efforts – especially when your beets are young, as they can quickly be outcompeted by other plants. With these basics covered, you’ll be well on your way to growing a bountiful beet harvest.
And if you’re wondering why beets deserve more attention in the produce aisle, consider this: with their vibrant colors and diverse varieties, beets are one of the most underrated – yet incredibly versatile – vegetables out there.
