How and When to Harvest Beets

How and When to Harvest Beets

Beets are truly one of the most stunning vegetables.

Fire engine red, golden yellow, deep purple, or candy cane striped, their range of colors and flavors never ceases to amaze me.

No matter the variety, just a few slices of these juicy, vibrant roots can transform any ho-hum dish into an extravagant delicacy.

Not to mention, they are incredibly nutrient rich, easy to grow, and simply delicious.

It’s no wonder I always set aside a large swath of garden space for growing these classic beauties.

We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

But getting them into the ground is the easy part. Once you have a patch growing, how do you determine when they’re ready to harvest? And what can you do with an exceptionally abundant crop?

Harvesting beets may seem like a guessing game. Luckily for you, with our simple tips and tricks, it is actually quite easy.

What’s more, there are so many easy ways to preserve them for later use, you won’t have to worry about growing more than you can eat all at once!

Figuring out when to harvest your beets depends on a few factors, including the variety, the time of year they were planted, and the average temperature where they are growing.

Personal preference also plays a role. Beyond varietal standards, not everyone agrees on what size beet is best.

While some people argue that the smaller roots have more flavor and juiciness, others prefer to allow them to reach a larger size before picking.

Allowing them to grow a bit larger is certainly fine, but be warned that if you wait too long to harvest, they may become fibrous, soft, or wrinkled, and will eventually start to lose some of