Can beets grow in hot climates?

Cultivating beets in heat includes some clever adaptations I learned from Arizona summers. Often, the standard way of planting fails at higher temperatures; however, the combination of timing and protection can yield success. These tried-and-true examples will work for your beets even if the weather exceeds 90°F.

Use shade strategies when temperatures reach 85°F (29°C). Place 30% shade cloth on hoops set over beet beds. Place it so that it blocks the afternoon sunlight while allowing the morning sunlight to pass through. My garden in Phoenix consistently produces using this strategy.

Adjust watering practices for heat stress. The current amount doubles to 1.5 inches per week during periods of extreme heat. Water the turf at 5 AM when soil absorption is at its highest. Use soil moisture meters to monitor and minimize overwatering. With this program, my plants are staying green.

Select quick-maturing varieties such as Merlin that can withstand heat. These varieties finish growing before the hottest days of the year arrive. (Always use light-colored mulch, too; it will reflect heat away from the roots.) After I switched varieties, my harvests improved significantly.

Keep an eye out for heat stress signs such as bolting or bitter roots, and gather immediately if seed stalks appear. Container plants can remain on shaded patios during heat waves. Nighttime temperatures above 75°F will require even more vigilance. I like to have a thermometer at the root level.

Read the full article: How to Grow Beets from Seed Perfectly