What hardiness zones is Beta vulgaris 'Golden' suitable for?

Beta vulgaris 'Golden' is an annual root vegetable reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall (foliage) with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and an upright habit with a rosette of basal leaves. An heirloom beet, it produces round roots 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter with smooth, golden-orange skin and solid golden-yellow flesh that does not bleed when cut—unlike red beets. Leaves are bright green with golden-yellow stems, also edible. Days to maturity 55-65 from direct sow. Growth rate is moderate. Milder, sweeter flavor than red beets with less earthy bitterness. Germination is slower and more erratic than red beet varieties—sow more thickly and be patient. The golden color holds through cooking.

Native Range

Beta vulgaris (beet group) is native to coastal Europe and western Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—roasting (golden color holds), salads, pickling. Does not bleed—no red staining. Golden-yellow flesh. Milder sweeter than red beets. Edible golden-stemmed greens. 55-65 days. Slower germination—sow thickly. Not suitable where high germination rate is critical or where earthy red beet flavor is desired.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Chioggia' by the solid golden-yellow (versus candy-stripe pink/white ringed) interior and the non-bleeding character. Distinguished from red beets by the golden-orange (versus deep red) skin and flesh. Golden beet—solid golden-yellow flesh, does not bleed, milder sweeter, slower germination.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bolts in second year or under cold/heat stress. Tall flower stalks with small greenish flowers. Bolting makes roots woody. Harvest before any flower stalk.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Greenish; small; tall stalks; bolting only

Foliage Description

Bright green with golden-yellow stems; basal rosette; edible

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

55-65 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds overnight—germination is slower than red beets (10-14 days versus 5-7). Sow thickly to compensate for lower germination rate. Thin to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). Moist, loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Consistent moisture. Days to maturity 55-65 from direct sow. Harvest at 2-3 inches for tenderness.