Beet
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Also known asBeetroot · Garden beet · Table beet · Red beet · Remolacha
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–10 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2.2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A moderately tricky hydroponic root crop. Root formation needs depth, around 15 cm of perlite, expanded clay or coco coir in a media bed or Dutch bucket; pure water-culture systems like DWC and NFT do not bulk the root well. Hold EC around 1.8-3.0 mS/cm and pH 6.0-7.0. It is a cool-season crop, best at 15–24°C; above about 28°C growth stalls and roots turn woody. Keep light moderate, 14-18 mol/m2/day. Harvest runs 50 to 70 days from seed depending on variety and size. Beet 'seeds' are usually multigerm clusters holding two to four true seeds, so thin the seedlings to one per spot. Boron deficiency causes internal black spot, hollow dark patches inside the root, so make sure the feed carries enough boron. Pull roots at 5–8 cm across for the best texture and sweetness, since larger ones get fibrous. The greens can be picked throughout, taking a few outer leaves without stripping the plant. In aquaponics media beds, beets do well next to other roots such as carrots and radishes.