Also known as Beet · 343 saves
Beta
Beta, the genus most gardeners know as beet. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Beta varieties
Species of Beta
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Beta in Sow
Save the Beta you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Beta
Whats common across all Beta varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Beta year
- HarvestMay–October100% of varieties
Harvest greens sparingly; pull roots when 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
- PlantFebruary, March, April, July and August83% of varieties
Direct sow seeds every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest; thin seedlings to 3 inches apart.
- FertilizeApril, May, June and August67% of varieties
Apply a light side dressing of balanced fertilizer or compost mid-season.
- Check for PestsApril–July50% of varieties
Watch for leaf miners; remove affected leaves immediately.
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Apply organic compost regularly
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid waterlogging soil ❌
- Don’t let plants dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
What goes wrong with Beta
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root maggots | Wilting and rotting roots | Use beneficial nematodes or crop rotation |
| Slugs | Chewed edges on leaves, slime trails | Use iron phosphate slug bait or handpick at night |
| Leaf miners | Pale winding tunnels or dried blotches within the leaf | Pick off mined leaves and use fleece over young plants |
| Downy Mildew | Yellow patches and fuzzy mold on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root Rot | Soft, decayed roots | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Beta
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring (6 weeks before last frost).
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after emergence.
Root cuttings
- Select healthy roots in late fall.
- Cut into 2-3 inch segments and plant horizontally in well-drained soil.
- Water thoroughly and wait for new shoots to develop.
Beta questions
How many types of Beta are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Beta varieties. The most popular — ranked by 343 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Beta grow in?
Across its varieties, Beta covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Beta bloom?
Most Beta varieties bloom in spring (second year), late summer, summer (second year). Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Beta should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.