What Kind of Climate Do Beets Grow In?

Hardiness

• Beets prefer daytime temperatures of about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to "Organic Gardening." In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8B, 9 and 10, they are best grown in the winter. In cooler climate zones, beets are generally grown as spring and summer crops. Beets are moderately frost tolerant and can be planted as early as four weeks before the frost-free date, according to Floridata.

Light

• Beets prefer a location with full sunlight, although they will tolerate partial shade in the summer and in the afternoon. Purdue University Extension notes that sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris var. crassa) varieties grown primarily for their roots will have the highest sugar content if grown with plenty of sunlight and cool temperatures. In drier climates, beets should be watered regularly so that the soil never dries out. Beets are sensitive to moisture levels and may crack if watering is erratic.

Culture

• The ideal soil for beets is well draining with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. The University of Illinois Extension Service recommends fertilizing with 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Competitive weeds should be removed from the area. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart.

Propagation

• If beets are left in the ground to complete a second growth cycle, they will produce flowers and go to seed. Beet seeds germinate best in a temperature range between 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Purdue University Extension, and are viable for five to six years. Cover seeds with about 1/2-inch of soil and thin after germination to prevent overcrowding. It may take some delicate maneuvering to thin the seedlings, as plants may have their roots intertwined.