Beet Germination

Question

My beet seeds take 3 weeks to germinate. The seed packages say it should take 5-10 days. What’s going on? I keep them moist, soil temp is 75F, and I’ve even soaked them before planting. This happens EVERY YEAR. What’s the trick to get them to germinate promptly?

Answer 1

Beets are a cool season vegetable and do best in the cool weather of spring and fall. The 75 degree soil temp may be a tad warm. Also, soil must be well drained. There are many variables for seed germination, such as soil, climate, etc. I'm sure germination varies for everyone from the seed packet.

This article describes the ideal conditions for seed germination of beets:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/growing-beets.htm

Answer 2

Might want to think again. Everywhere it says that the best germination temps for beets are 65-85F. TAMU Extension actually says that 85F is "optimal".
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/earthkind/ekgarden15.html
Beets are generally a cool-season vegetable, but that evidently doesn't mean that germination is best at lower temperatures.

Answer 3

I should add that I've never heard of anything horticultural where higher temperatures make things go slower. Seeds that don't like to germinate at high temps simply won't germinate.

Answer 4

Hello:
Tamu Extension also says the more realistic soil temperature for beets is 45 degrees F. You might try germinating the seeds at a lower temp than you have been and see if that helps. Or wait and try the 85 degrees.