How and When to Harvest Beets for Best Flavor

Harvesting beets at the right time is key to enjoying their sweet, tender roots and flavorful greens. Knowing when and how to pick beets will ensure you get the best taste and texture for cooking, roasting, or fresh eating.

Table of Contents

When to Harvest Beets

Size Matters

Beets are usually ready to harvest 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on variety.
Most gardeners harvest beets when roots reach 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. At this size, roots are tender and sweet.

Look at the Tops

Healthy, vibrant beet greens are a good sign that roots are ready.
If leaves start yellowing or wilting, roots may be overmature.

Check the Calendar

For continuous harvests, start checking beets about 7 weeks after sowing and harvest regularly.

How to Harvest Beets

Tools

Use a garden fork or trowel to gently loosen soil around the root.
Pull roots carefully by the base of the stem, avoiding damage.

Leaves

Beet greens are edible and nutritious.
Harvest leaves by cutting outer leaves first, leaving inner leaves to keep growing.

Tips for Best Flavor

Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and less woody.
Harvest before hot weather to avoid tough roots.
Freshly harvested beets have the best flavor—use within a few days or store properly.

With over 30 years of hands-on gardening experience growing beets in diverse climates like California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how proper harvesting timing directly impacts beet flavor and texture. By following these tested methods, you can consistently enjoy tender, sweet beets from your garden and make the most of every harvest season. My practical insights and years of expertise are here to help you succeed in growing delicious beets year after year.

Beets Growing Hub

Start here: Ultimate Guide to Growing Beets from Seed to Harvest

1. Getting Started (Timing, Planting, Varieties)

2. Growing & Care

3. Problems & Troubleshooting

4. Harvest, Storage & Kitchen Use

Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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