Kestrel

Family: Amaranthaceae Root Vegetable

Sweet, earthy-smooth flavor meets a richly colored, velvety interior in Kestrel red beets—an eye-catching choice for gardeners who savor deep crimson beauty.

The roots develop with a tender, fine-grained texture and a classic round form that stays vibrant from harvest through storage. Grow Kestrel for standout roasted slices, vivid fresh salads, and richly tinted sauces that showcase its clean, balanced beet character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Taproot

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kestrel’s fine-grained, tender interior makes it feel luxurious even when hot—roast it and you get sweet earth plus a silky bite rather than a chalky chew. The color stays punchy enough that even a simple beet purée or quick pickle can look and taste like you went out of your way.

Best Uses

roasted slices or wedges where the interior stays velvety and caramelizes at the edges
thin shaved salads (or quick-pickled) that stay vibrant without turning grainy
staining, slow-reduced sauces—think beet-forward purees that cling and thicken
braises/roasts where you want that classic earthy sweetness to round out the plate

Flavor Profile

sweet, earthy-smooth beetiness tender fine-grained texture clean, balanced earth with a velvet bite deep crimson color that holds under heat

Kitchen Pairings

goat cheese horseradish citrus (orange or lemon) balsamic vinegar walnuts duck

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Beta vulgaris (beet) and how can I manage it in my garden?

Beet leaf spot and Cercospora leaf spot show up as small, tan to dark spots with yellowing leaves; infected foliage can quickly weaken plants before roots fill. Remove affected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants properly, and avoid wetting leaves when you water; if problems are persistent, use an approved copper-based fungicide according to label directions. For pests, watch for aphids—spray plants with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap if infestations build.

How often should I water Beta vulgaris during the main growth phase for best root development?

During root bulking (roughly weeks 4–8 after emergence), keep soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply to moisten the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent splitting and shallow, woody roots. Mulch lightly to reduce moisture swings, which beets hate.

How do I tell when Beta vulgaris is ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots reach the size listed on your seed packet (commonly about 1.5–3 inches / 4–7.5 cm in diameter) and before they get overly large or woody. The best indicator is a visible bulge at the soil line with firm roots; leaves should be healthy green, not collapsed. For peak tenderness, harvest about 60 days from sowing (or when most plants are at that stage), lifting gently with a fork.