Beets

Last updated on January 8, 2024

Beets

Growing Beets

 

Varieties

Fresh Market

Red Ace, Detroit strains, Red Cloud.

See your seed dealer for the most recent variety recommendations.

 

Seed Treatment

Use seed treated with Thiram or captan seed protectants.

For control of Pythium damping off, use seed treated with Apron XL LS seed protectant.  For control of damping off and seedling blight caused by Pythium spp., Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp., use seed treated with Apron MAXX RTA.   
 

Soil Temperature

Good germination is obtained when soil temperatures are at 10 to 29°C.
 

Seeding and Spacing

Sow seed 1.5 to 2.0 cm deep in rows 30 to 38 cm apart. Precision seed or thin to leave 5 to 7.5 cm between plants. This results in a plant population of 400,000 plants/ha (160,000/acre) and requires about 7 kg/ha (2.8 kg/acre) of seed.

 

Fertilizer

A soil test is necessary to determine phosphate and potash requirements. Use the Vegetable Production Guide: Nutrient Management (PDF) for fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results. At time of seeding, broadcast and disc in 55 kg/ha (22 kg/acre) nitrogen, all of the phosphate and potash and 4.5 kg/ha (1.8 kg/acre) boron.

A deficiency of boron causes black pitting, surface cankers, heart-rot and dry rot.

 

Beet Weed Management

 

Pre-plant Incorporated

Pre-plant Incorporated: Herbicide Application Rates

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Pyramin FL

(pyrazon) Group 5
Light soils: 8.25 L/ha (3.3 L/acre)

OR

Medium or heavy soils: 10.25 L/ha (4.1 L/acre)
N/A
  • Do not follow with a pre-emergence or post-emergence application of Pyramin FL or Pyramin DF.
  • Make application in spring.
  • Incorporate to a depth of 5 cm immediately after seeding.
  • For band application, the seed-drill must be attached behind the spray nozzle and incorporating equipment.
  • Use 200 to 500 L/ha (80 to 200 L/acre) of water.
  • Controls black nightshade, chickweed, knotweed, lady’s thumb, lamb’s-quarters, pigweed, purslane, shepard’s purse, wild buckwheat, and others.
  • Do not rotate with any other crop other than beets for 12 months after application.
  • Do not apply to soils with less than 3% organic matter.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

 

Pre-emergent (to weeds and crop)

Pre-emergent (to weeds and crop): Herbicide Application Rates

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Pyramin FL

(pyrazon) Group 5
Light soils: 8.25 L/ha (3.3 L/acre)

OR

Medium or heavy soils: 10.25 L/ha (4.1 L/acre)
N/A
  • Controls black nightshade, chickweed, knotweed, lady’s thumb, lamb’s-quarters, pigweed, purslane, shepard’s purse, wild buckwheat, and others.
  • Do not apply pre-emergence if Pyramin FL or Pyramin DF has been applied PPI.
  • Do not follow with a post-emergence application of Pyramin FL or Pyramin DF
  • Apply after seeding before beets and weeds germinate.
  • At least 1.25 cm of rain is necessary after applicaiton for good weed control.
  • When banding, apply a minimum of 15 to 20 cm band.  See label for chart details of product rates and rates of water  needed for various row spacing and widths. 
  • Use 200 to 500 L/ha (80 to 200 L/acre) of water.
  • Do not apply to soils with less than 3% organic matter.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Dual II Magnum


(S-metachlor)

Group 15
1.25 L/ha
(500 mL/acre)

Apply in 150 L/ha (60 L/acre) of water
N/A
  • Controls nightshade, barnyard grass, foxtail.
  • Suppression only of redroot pigweed.
  • Do not make more than 1 application per year.
  • Irrigate ½ inch of water after application if rainfall is not expected to activate.
  • If direct-seeding, rolling the planted area before spraying is recommended.
  • Check label for precautions to prevent crop injury.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

 

Post-emergence

Post-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Poast Ultra

(sethoxydim)

Group 1

Note:  No longer produced

Annual grasses (incl. volunteer cereals):

320 mL/ha (130 mL/ac)

Annual grasses & quackgrass suppression:

470 mL/ha (190 mL/ac)

Quackgrass:

1.1 L/ha (445 mL/ac)

49
  • For control of annual grasses and quackgrass suppression, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 0.5 - 1.0 L/ha (0.2 - 0.4 L/ac).
  • For control of quackgrass, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 1.0 - 2.0 l/ha (0.4 - 0.8 L/ac).
  • Repeat using a 14 day application interval.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per year.
  • Maximum application rate is 1.1 L/ha (445 mL/acre) per season.
  • Apply in 50 to 100 L/ha (20 to 40 L/acre) of water at 240 kPa pressure.
  • See label for water volume and pressure when weed infestations or crop canopies are dense.
  • Does not control Annual Bluegrass.
  • Apply when annual weeds are in the 1 to 6 leaf stage and quackgrass is in the 1 to 3 leaf stage.
  • Observe a 30 day plantback restriction for crops not listed.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Select

(clethodim)

Group 1

 

0.19 to 0.38 L/ha                 (75 to 155 mL/acre)

Apply in 110 L/ha (45 L/acre) of water at 275 kPa

30
  • Apply post-emergence of weeds and crop.
  • Controls annual grasses and suppresses quackgrass at the 2 to 6 leaf stage.
  • Use only with the adjuvant Amigo at 0.5 to 1.0% v/v.
  • Apply early, prior to tillering.
  • Repeat using a 14 day interval.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per year.
  • Do not apply more than 0.38 L/ha (155 mL/acre) per crop per season.
  • Allow 4 days after treatment before applying any other chemical not listed on the label.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Centurion

(clethodim)

Group 1

0.19 to 0.38 L/ha                 (75 to 155 mL/acre)

Apply in 110 L/ha (45 L/acre) of water at 275 kPa

30
  • Apply post-emergence of weeds and crop.
  • Controls annual grasses and suppresses quackgrass at the 2 to 6 leaf stage.
  • Use only with the adjuvant Amigo at 0.5 to 1.0% v/v.
  • Apply early, prior to tillering.
  • Repeat using a 14 day interval.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per year.
  • Do not apply more than 0.38 L/ha (155 mL/acre) per crop per season.
  • Allow 4 days after treatment before applying any other chemical not listed on the label.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Upbeet

(triflusulfuron methyl)

Group 2

Broadcast:

(15 g/ac)
30
  • Apply post-emergent to the crop when garden beets are in the 2 to 4 leaf, 4 to 6 leaf and 6 to 8 stages.
  • Use with a non-ionic surfactant such as Agral 90, Agsurf or Citowett Plus, at 0.25% v/v in a spray volume of 90 to 400 L/ha (35 to 160 L/ac).
  • Maximum of 3 applications per year.
  • Do not apply more than 108 g/ha (44 g/ac) per year.
  • Check label for rates when applying as a band treatment.
  • Observe a plant back interval of 30 days for beets and one year for cereals.
  • For all other crops, follow plant back precautions on the label. Carry out a field bioassay to prevent crop injury in the year following use.

Lontrel XC

(clopyralid)

Group 4

0.25/ to 0.35 L/ha
(0.10 to 0.14 L/ac)

 

Apply in 200 to 300 L/ha (80 to 120 L/ac) of water at 200 to 275 kPa
30
  • Apply post-planting to garden beets in the 2 to 8-leaf stage.
  • Do not apply more than one time per year.
  • Use low rate for top-growth control of Canada thistle.
  • Use high rate for control of perennial and annual weeds including Canada thistle, wild buckwheat, scentless chamomile and common groundsel.
  • Apply to young and actively growing weeds.
  • Apply to Canada thistle in the rosette to pre-bud stage and before the purple bud stage.
  • Residues of Lontrel can remain in the soil the following year of use, thereby affecting growth of sensitive crops.  See label for Sensitive Crops section.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Pyramin FL

(pyrazon)

Group 5

8.25 L/ha (3.3 L/acre) for all soil types N/A
  • Controls black nightshade, chickweed, knotweed, lady’s thumb, lamb’s-quarters, pigweed, purslane, shepard’s purse, wild buckwheat, and others.
  • Do not apply post-emergence if Pyramin FL or Pyramin DF has been applied PPI or pre-emergence.
  • Apply with Citowett Plus at 250 mL/100L water and apply in 300 to 400 L/ha (120 to 160 L/acre).  Use 275 to 350 kPa pressure. 
  • See PPI for weeds controlled.
  • Apply after the first true leaf of the beet is 2.5 cm long but not larger than the 3-true-leaf stage.
  • Do not apply when beets are in the cotyledon stage.
  • When banding, apply a 15 to 20 cm band, centering the band over the row.  See label for details on product and water rates and rates of oil. 
  • Do not rotate with any other crop other than beets for 12 months after application.
  • Do not apply to soils with less than 3% organic matter.
  • Application during very hot weather may cause slight crop injury.

Betamix B EC

(desmedipham & phenmedipham)

Group 5
1.15 to 1.75 L/ha
(465 to 710 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 to 200 L/ha (40 to 80 L/acre)
30
  • Controls lamb’s-quarter, wild buckwheat, green and yellow foxtail, mustard and pigweed up to the 4 leaf stage.
  • Use also, a pre-plant or pre-emergence herbicide (see above) for control of nightshade, kochia and stinkweed up to the 2 leaf stage.
  • Apply 1st spray when weeds have reached the cotyledon stage.
  • Repeat at a 5 to 7 day interval or when there is another flush of weeds.
  • Maximum 3 applications per season.
  • Do not apply through irrigation.
  • Do not spray when dew is present.
  • Rainfall or irrigation within 6 hours will reduce efficacy.
  • May cause temporary growth retardation, chlorosis or tip burn.
  • May cause crop injury if applied when plants are stressed.
  • Do not graze crop.
  • Do not enter treated area for 24 hours.

Aim EC

(carfentrazone-ethyl)

Group 14

37 to 117 mL/ha
(15 to 47 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water
1
  • Controls annual weeds.
  • Must be applied using hooded sprayers to weeds between the rows of the emerged crop.
  •  Use an adjuvant such as Agral 90 or Agral-Surf at 0.25% v/v (0.25 L/100 L of spray solution) or Merge at 1% v/v (1 L/100 L of spray solution).
  • PRECAUTION:  crop injury will occur when spray drift is allowed to come in contact with green stem tissue or leaves.
  • Apply only once per growing season.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

 

Beet Insect Management

 

Leafminers

White maggots of a small fly feed inside the leaves, causing colourless trails and blotches.

Control

When miners first appear, spray with one of the products in the table below.

Chemical Control of Leafminers

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Malathion 85E

(malathion)

Group 1B

535 to 1345 mL/ha
(215 to 545 mL/acre)
 
Apply in 1000 L/ha (405 L/acre) of water
7
  • Do not make more than 1 application per year.
  • Best control is obtained when the temperature is above 20°C.
  • Toxic to fish.
  • Do not apply where runoff is likely to occur.
  • Do not apply after expiry date on the container label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

 

Beet Disease Management

 

Beet Scab (Streptomyces)

Raised warty or scab-like growths on the beet root with cracking between the scabs.

Control

  • Avoid soils with a history of potato scab.
  • Rotate with grass or cereals.
  • The disease occurs most commonly in dry soils. Frequent, light irrigation will reduce infection but care must be taken not to encourage excessive growth which can result in oversized and cracked roots, causing serious damage to the crop.
 

Black Root Rot (Aphanomyces)

This fungal disease, which is closely related to the one causing black root of radish, may cause an early seedling blight resembling post-emergence damping-off. Later in the season, if wet conditions occur, a black decay may develop on mature roots.

Control

  • Avoid growing beets in poorly-drained fields.
  • Rotate with other crops such as corn, cereals or unrelated vegetables.
  • Use fungicide-treated seed.
  • Delay seeding until soil has warmed up in the spring.
  • Use tolerant beet varieties.
 

Boron Deficiency

Beets have a high boron requirement. A deficiency causes black cankers in roots.

Control

Consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Nutrient Management (PDF, 310KB). Do not plant cucumbers on soil that has been treated with boron.

 

Rhizoctonia Root Rot

Chemical Control of Rhizoctonia Root Rot

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Quadris

(azoxystrobin)

Group 11

4 to 6 mL of product per 100m of row

Apply in 50 to 100 L/ha (20 to 40 L/acre) of water
40
  • Apply either in-furrow at seeding or as a banded application over the row soon after emergence or within 30 days of emergence.
  • Do not make more than one application per year.
  • A plant back interval of 30 days is required for broadleaf and root crops.
  • A plant back interval of 45 days is required for cereals.
  • Do not enter treated area until residues have dried.

Serenade Soil

(QST 713 strain of dried Bacillus subtilis)
 
Used in organics.
2.7 to 14 L/ha
(1.1 to 5.7 L/acre)
0
  • Suppression only.
  • Serenade Soil (PCP# 30647) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.  
Surface Application:
  • Apply as a 15 cm band over the top of the seed row as a broadcast spray after planting.
  • Ensure incorporation into the seed zone within 24 hours of application via rainfall or overhead irrigation.

Post-plant applications:

  • After crop germination, additional applications may be made to the soil as a drench or spray directed towards the base of the plant.
  • Irrigate to move material into the seed or root zone.
  • Repeat at 21 to 28 day intervals.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada

 

Cercospora Leaf Spot

Chemical Control of Cercospora Leaf Spot

Product Rate PHI* Comments

Serenade Opti

(Bacillus subtilis)
 
Used in organics
0.5 to 1.1 kg/ha
(200 to 445 g/acre)
0
  • Suppression only.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Apply with a non-ionic surfactant at a rate of 0.25% v/v or at labeled rates.
  • Serenade Opti (PCP# 31666) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.

Oxidate 2.0

(hydrogen peroxide & peroxyacetic acid)

Used in organics

Dilute 1.0 L product in 100 L water (1.0% v:v) 0
  • Partial suppression only.
  • Use a non-ionic surfactant at 0.10% to 0.125% v/v (0.1 L to 0.125 L per 100 L of spray solution).
  • Repeat using a 7 day application interval.
  • Good coverage is required.
  • Do not apply more than 8 times per season.
  • Do not apply more than 93.5 L/ha (37.8 L/acre) per application.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Toxic to certain beneficial insects.
  • Oxidate 2.0 (PCP# 32907) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 4 hours or until sprays have dried. 

Cueva

(copper octanoate)

Group M1

Used in organics

Use a 0.5% to 2% solution at 470 to 940 L/ha (190 to 380 L/acre) 1
  • For a 0.5% solution, mix 1 part Cueva to 200 parts water.
  • For a 2% solution, mix 1 part Cueva to 50 parts water.
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Repeat at 5 to 7 day intervals following heavy rain or when disease pressure is high.
  • Do not make more than 15 applications per year.
  • Time applications so that 12 hours of dry weather follow application.
  • Cueva products (PCP# 31825) are OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 4 hours.

Tilt 250E

(propiconazole)

Group 3

500 mL/ha (200 mL/acre)

 

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/ac) of water
14
  • Apply as a foliar spray.
  • Repeat using a 10 to 14 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Miravis Duo

(pydiflumetofen & difenoconazole)

Group 7 & 3

1.0 L/ha (405 mL/ac)

 

Apply in 150 L/ha (60 L/ac) of water
7
  • Repeat using a 7 to 14 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 consecutive applications before switching to a non-Group 7 & 3 fungicide.
  • Do not apply more than 4.0 L/ha (1.6 L/ac) per season.
  • See label for details on plantback interval.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Cabrio EG

(pyraclostrobin)

Group 11

0.56 to 1.1 kg/ha
(225 to 445 g/acre)
 
Apply in 225 L/ha (90 L/acre) of water.
0
  • Apply as a groundspray to beet tops.
  • Repeat using a 7 to 14 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 3 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than 3.36 kg/ha (1.36 kg/acre) per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area or 3 days for hand harvesting and for 12 hours for all other activities.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF, 421KB)
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF, 703KB)

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada