How far apart should I plant Sugar beet?

About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).

Does Sugar beet need full sun?

Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.

How much water does Sugar beet need?

Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.

How cold-hardy is Sugar beet?

It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.

Is Sugar beet poisonous to cats and dogs?

For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.

What grows well with Sugar beet?

There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sugar beet. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sugar beet Beta vulgaris var. altissima

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris var. altissima) is a biennial vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Bred in 18th-century Europe from the Mediterranean sea beet. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.

Plan Sugar beet in your garden →
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Sugar beet at a glance

Type	Biennial vegetable
Family	Amaranthaceae
Mature height	40–60 cm (16–24 in)
Mature spread	30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Spacing	20 cm (8 in) centre to centre
Sun	Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day
Water	Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH	6.5–8
Cold hardiness	About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9)
Heat stress	Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F)
Days to maturity	About 180 days from planting
Wind tolerance	Moderate
Pollinator value	None
Edible	Yes: root (sugar)
Native to	Bred in 18th-century Europe from the Mediterranean sea beet
Common in gardens of	🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt

Is Sugar beet toxic?

People: not known to be toxic
Cats: not known to be toxic
Dogs: not known to be toxic

Not poisonous.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Sugar beet

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.

Questions about Sugar beet

How far apart should I plant Sugar beet?: About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
Does Sugar beet need full sun?: Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Sugar beet need?: Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Sugar beet?: It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
Is Sugar beet poisonous to cats and dogs?: For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
What grows well with Sugar beet?: There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sugar beet. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Lifted in its first year, before it can flower.

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

Related plants

Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea