Beets are cool-season root vegetables. They are part of the Amaranthaceae family, so they are related to spinach.
Beets are not the only edible part of the plant. The leaves of a beet plant are edible as well.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policies.
Phoenix Gardening: Grow Beets in the Desert & Gardening in Zone 9b
- When and how to plant beets
- What grows well near beets and what doesn’t?
- How to care for beets
- Harvesting beets- when is the ideal time to pick beets?
How to Plant & Grow Beets in Phoenix
Beets are cool-season vegetables. They prefer soil temperature to be around 50 degrees. Plant beets in late January and late October.
Sow seeds under a half an inch of soil and space 6 inches apart. Plant rows of beets 12 inches apart. Seedlings should appear in two weeks.
Companion Plants for Beets
Plant beets near bush beans, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, and/or onions.
How to Care For Beets
Light Requirements: Beets need full sun or about 6-8 hours of sun a day.
Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile well-drained loose soil. Beets prefer slightly acidic pH. The soil pH range of 6- 7.5 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Beets like consistent moisture. Provide 1″ of water per week or as needed.
When to Harvest Beets in Phoenix
Beets take 48 days from the day of planting until harvest day.
Beets are ready to be harvested when the vegetable is between one to three inches.