When Are Beetroots Ready To Pick

Beetroots are ready to pick when they reach about the size of a golf ball to a tennis ball, which typically happens 55 to 70 days after planting.
 
That’s the simple answer, but knowing exactly when are beetroots ready to pick isn’t just about counting days on a calendar.
 
You also need to look for visual cues above the soil and feel the bulb beneath it.
 
Many gardeners stare at the leafy tops and wonder when are beetroots ready to pick because the greens can look massive while the root underneath is still tiny.
 
So in this post, we’ll dig into all the signs that tell you when are beetroots ready to pick, how to check without damaging the plant, and what happens if you leave them in the ground too long.
 
Let’s get our hands dirty and figure out the perfect harvest timing.
 

When Are Beetroots Ready to Pick: The Key Signs

The most reliable way to know when are beetroots ready to pick is to combine time, size, and visible cues from the plant itself.
 
Beetroots don’t ripen all at once, even if you planted them on the same day, so you’ll need to check each one individually.
 
Here are the main indicators that tell you when are beetroots ready to pick in your garden.
 

1. Check the Days to Maturity for Your Variety

Every beetroot variety has a specific range of days to maturity listed on the seed packet.
 
Early varieties like ‘Detroit Dark Red’ can be ready in as little as 55 days, while others like ‘Cylindra’ might take closer to 65 or 70 days.
 
When you’re asking when are beetroots ready to pick, start by marking your calendar from the day you sowed the seeds.
 
Once you hit the lower end of that range, start inspecting the shoulders of the roots.
 
Those shoulders are the tops of the beetroots that poke up slightly above the soil line.
 

2. Look for the Shoulders Poking Through the Soil

A beetroot that’s getting close to harvest will often show its rounded top pushing up out of the earth.
 
When you see that shoulder and it’s about the width of a golf ball, that’s a classic signal that the bulb is maturing underground.
 
But here’s the tricky part: this only tells you when are beetroots ready to pick if the shoulders are firm and smooth.
 
If the shoulders look cracked or have little hairy roots sprouting from them, the beetroot may be past its prime.
 

3. Gently Brush Away Soil to Gauge Size

You don’t have to yank the whole plant out just to check the size.
 
Instead, use your fingers to gently scrape away the top layer of soil around the shoulder.
 
This lets you see the actual diameter of the beetroot without disturbing its roots.
 
When you’re wondering when are beetroots ready to pick, aim for a diameter of 1 to 2 inches for the sweetest and most tender texture.
 
Baby beetroots can be harvested at just 1 inch if you love them extra tender, while larger 3-inch beets tend to get woody and tough.
 

4. Feel the Firmness of the Bulb

Size isn’t the only factor in figuring out when are beetroots ready to pick because a big bulb can still be immature.
 
Gently press the exposed shoulder with your thumb.
 
A ready beetroot feels dense, firm, and solid, much like a rock or a hard apple.
 
If it feels spongy or soft, that indicates it’s either overripe or starting to rot in the ground.
 
Conversely, if it’s extremely hard and hasn’t grown much despite weeks passing, it might be stunted from overcrowding or poor soil.
 

5. Watch the Leaf Color and Vigor

While the roots are the prize, the leaves offer strong clues about when are beetroots ready to pick.
 
Healthy, vibrant green leaves usually mean the root is still actively growing underground.
 
If the leaves start to yellow or look slightly wilted, that often points to the root having reached its peak size and ceasing active growth.
 
However, don’t rely solely on leaf appearance because bolting, which is when the plant sends up a flower stalk, is a definite sign that the root is done.
 
If you see flower stalks forming, harvest immediately because the beetroot will turn bitter and fibrous.
 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Pick Beetroots

Now that you know when are beetroots ready to pick, it’s equally important to understand what happens if you ignore those signs.
 
Leaving beetroots in the ground doesn’t make them sweeter like some other root vegetables.
 
Instead, they continue to grow larger, and their cell walls thicken and become lignified.
 
This process makes the flesh tough, woody, and less enjoyable to eat raw or cooked.
 
Over-mature beetroots also develop a stronger, earthier flavor that some people find unpleasant.
 
So if you’re unsure when are beetroots ready to pick, err on the side of harvesting a little early rather than late.
 

How to Harvest Beetroots Without Damaging Them

Once you’ve determined when are beetroots ready to pick, you need to use the right technique to pull them out cleanly.
 
Water the soil lightly a few hours before harvest because moist soil loosens its grip on the roots.
 
Then grab the beetroot by its leafy tops at the base and give it a gentle, steady pull.
 
If the root resists, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around it.
 
Try not to pierce the beetroot itself because any nick or cut invites rot during storage.
 
After pulling, twist off the leaves leaving about an inch of stem attached, and don’t wash the roots until you’re ready to eat them.
 

Can You Pick Beetroots at Different Times for Different Uses?

Absolutely, and this is one of the best parts about mastering when are beetroots ready to pick.
 
If you want baby beets for salads or pickling, you can harvest them as soon as they hit 1 inch across, which is often around 40 to 50 days.
 
If you want full-sized beets for roasting or boiling, wait until they reach 1.5 to 2 inches, usually around 55 to 70 days.
 
You can even succession plant every two to three weeks so you always have beets at different stages.
 
This way, you’re constantly asking when are beetroots ready to pick and finding a ready batch waiting for you.
 

So, When Are Beetroots Ready to Pick for the Best Flavor?

Beetroots are ready to pick when they reach 1 to 2 inches in diameter, feel firm to the touch, and their shoulders are visible above the soil.
 
That’s the sweet spot for tender texture, balanced sweetness, and that earthy goodness we all love.
 
You can also harvest baby beets earlier for delicate salads, but don’t let them balloon past 3 inches or they’ll turn woody and bitter.
 
Regularly checking your garden bed with the tips above will ensure you pull each beet at its prime moment.
 
So don’t leave it to guesswork any longer, go out, brush away the soil, and see if your beets are ready to pick today.