Heirloom / Open Pollinated Beets are usually direct seeded. Plant heirloom beet seeds in full sun, when the soil has warmed in Spring, ½” deep, 1″ apart, in rows 12-16″ apart. Germination occurs in 5-17 days in soil 55-70°F. When the beets start to come up, thin to 3-4″. Keep well watered, especially during root development. Harvest beet greens when they are young for the best flavor. Harvest beet root when 1-3″ across. Heirloom Beets keep for a long time when stored in moist sand.