White Beet

Beet

55d to harvest

Silk-smooth and luminous, White Beet delivers a creamy, ivory-gold root with a sweet, earthy gentleness and a fine, tender bite. At maturity in about 55 days, the roots form a neat, rounded silhouette with a crisp skin and a velvety interior that stays pleasantly smooth. Grow it for standout color in salads and for elegant roasting, simmering, and pickling—its pale beauty turns every platter into a statement.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Nov 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects white beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), and how do I manage it?

White beet commonly suffers from leaf spot/early blight–type fungal issues (often after wet foliage) and from beet leafminers on young leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves promptly, water at the soil line (not over the plants), and space plants to dry quickly in airflow. If leafminer damage appears, cover seedlings with insect netting and use frequent checks to remove heavily mined leaves early.

How often should I water white beet during the main growing phase to keep it sweet and tender?

During active leaf and root bulking (roughly weeks 3–7 after germination), keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow prolonged dry spells because roots can become woody and pithy. Avoid waterlogging; use loose soil so excess water drains well.

How can I tell when white beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 55 days from sowing, or sooner if you want smaller roots. Check size by gently brushing soil away at the crown—roots are typically ready when the bulb is about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide for best texture. If stems are forming and roots stay small, harvest immediately to prevent toughness.