Yes, beets do have seeds, but they're not single seeds like many other plants. Instead, each "seed" is actually a cluster containing two to five seeds. This is why thinning beet seedlings is crucial for successful growth. Gardeners often plant these seed clusters directly into the garden or start them in containers, later thinning to one strong plant per cell or location.
Understanding Beet Seeds: A Closer Look
- Clustered Seeds: Beet seeds aren't individual seeds; they are small, hard clusters containing multiple seeds. This is mentioned in several sources, including Joe Gardener's guide on how to grow beets https://joegardener.com/how-do-i-grow-beets/ and a YouTube video on growing beets from seed to harvest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KgxtjufF_c.
- Thinning is Essential: Because of the clustered nature of beet seeds, thinning is a necessary step to ensure each plant has enough space to grow properly. This is highlighted in numerous gardening resources, including a Reddit discussion on beet planting https://www.reddit.com/r/vegetablegardening/comments/x6phlz/what_am_i_doing_wrong_planted_beets_and_watered/. Failure to thin can result in stunted growth and reduced yield.
- Planting Methods: Beets are commonly sown directly into the garden or started in containers (module trays) filled with potting soil. Several references, including https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D1LLkLi8oM show this practice. Two or three seeds are often planted per cell initially.
Saving Beet Seeds: A Practical Approach
Saving beet seeds is also possible, as demonstrated in this YouTube video on seed saving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyJYKA09MiU. This allows gardeners to cultivate their own beet seeds for subsequent seasons.
