Beet Growing Information Beta vulgaris Direct Seed: When soil temperature reaches at least 45° F. Soil temperature for germination is 50-70° F. Can sow every 2 weeks for continuous harvest, until 8 weeks before last frost date. Transplant: Can be transplanted to get an early start on the season. Start 5 weeks before last heavy frost. Spacing: Thin plants to 2-4" apart, or set out transplants 2-4" apart in rows 12-18" apart. For direct seeded crop, sow at ½-¾" depth. Harvest: When beets are of desired size for bunching or for storage. Varieties with longer days to maturity will store better. Storage: Bunches can store up to 10 days at 32° F with 95% relative humidity. Bulk (topped) beets can store for up to 6 months.