Avalanche

Beet

Zone 12b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Rosette

Silky-white roots emerge with a luminous, pearly glow, their smooth skin and crisp snap promising a clean, sweet bite. “Avalanche…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 25th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Red Amposta Onion

Yellow Spanish Onion

Kaleidoscope Mix Carrot

St. Valery Carrot

Flakkee Carrot

Dakota Tears Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (beets), and what should I do?

A common issue is Cercospora leaf spot, which shows as small brown to gray spots with yellow halos on beet leaves. Remove and destroy heavily spotted foliage, improve airflow by thinning seedlings, and avoid wetting leaves when you water. If the problem spreads, use a labeled fungicide for leaf spot on edible beet greens and repeat as directed.

How often should I water Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris during the main growing phase?

During active leaf and root growth, keep soil evenly moist—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 deeper waterings if it’s hot or dry. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to fully dry out, or roots can become woody and cracked. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture for consistent bulking over the last few weeks before harvest.

How can I tell when Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris is ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots reach the size you want, typically around 50–60 days after sowing; many home gardeners start picking at about 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) diameter. You’ll also see the roots lifting slightly at the soil surface and the greens looking vigorous. For best tenderness, pull a test row and harvest the rest promptly at similar size.

Silky-white roots emerge with a luminous, pearly glow, their smooth skin and crisp snap promising a clean, sweet bite. “Avalanche” beets develop a tidy, round-to-slightly-flattened shape that stays tender through the 55-day season, with a pale interior that cooks up evenly and holds its brightness for vibrant color in salads, roasts, and pickles. Grow them for fresh slicing, quick roasting, or for strikingly pale pickled rounds that look as refined as they taste.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the sweetest white beets, keep soil evenly moist and avoid letting plants dry out during root bulking.