Inexperienced gardeners are often tormented by the question of how many days the first shoots of beets appear. This is very important, because if after a certain period of time the seeds did not sprout, they may need to be sown again. In order for seedlings to appear on time, observe measures aimed at improving growing conditions.
Time of emergence of the first shoots
The germination rate of beet seeds is influenced by several factors:
- if germinated seeds are used for planting, seedlings appear for about 3-4 days;
- when using dry material for sowing, seedlings are visible after 7-9 days.
To get seedlings as early as possible, observe the correct watering regime, since irregular moistening in combination with insufficiently heated air makes it impossible to establish the exact timing of the germination of beets after sowing.
Why are there no shoots and what to do?
Beetroot is not one of the capricious plants, but there are cases when there are no seedlings. The most common reasons for the lack of seedlings of beets are the following:
- No drainage was used during planting. It is drainage that allows you to get a stable harvest with increased watering, as water stagnation is prevented.
- Planting a culture in one area. Take a break for at least two years.
- Lack of feeding. During the autumn digging, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizers, as they are good for the beets.
- The gardener ignored the requirements for boron fertilization.
The most common reason for the lack of seedlings is the seeds have been frozen or have been stored for too long.
To reduce this likelihood, follow these tips:
- use only high-quality seeds, opting for a package with information about the manufacturer;
- choose seed only from well-known companies;
- adhere to the recommendations for growing for a particular variety;
- remember that the seed bag does not indicate the expiration date of the seed, but the time until which it is necessary to harvest.
What factors affect the germination of beets?
The germination rate of beets after planting is influenced by various factors, including:
- the location of the beds;
- air temperature (heat);
- distance between seeds and rows;
- watering quality;
- top dressing;
- soil quality.
Air temperature
The beets are planted late enough, when the soil warms up well, and stable warm weather sets in. The last week of May and the beginning of June are perfect - during this period, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil.
It is important that the temperature of the earth is not lower than 10 ˚С, the air temperature is 17-19 С. If this rule is observed, the first shoots appear after 5-7 days.
If beet seeds are planted indoors, the temperature should be at least 15 ° C. It is not recommended to place containers with plantings on the sunny side, otherwise the sun will greatly heat the earth and dry it out, which slows down the process of seed germination.
The soil
Beets are grown in loose soil. Clay soils are not recommended, since in this case it is necessary to periodically loosen the soil during the growth of the plant mass.
Correct gas exchange takes place in porous soil, water is easily passed through, heat is retained. To make the soil looser, add peat, humus, compost and slag left after burning wood. Sawdust is also recommended.
It is important to properly prepare the sawdust - treat it with a nitrogen-containing agent (urea is suitable), since sawdust tends to take nitrogen from the soil, thereby depleting it.
Plant beets in fertile land. This effect can be achieved with the help of humus, which is introduced in the fall or spring during digging.
Humidity
Beetroot is a moisture-loving plant. She needs water during all growing seasons - during seed germination, in the middle, and also at the end of the season. For an adult plant, it is required for 1 sq. m 10 liters of water.
During watering, make sure that the soil is saturated with moisture by 3-4 cm. Mulching the planting with mowed and dried grass, peat, dry straw or humus keeps the soil moisture. This prevents evaporation and does not require frequent watering.
Seed quality
The germination of beets is directly influenced by the quality of the seed. The following tips will help you get quality seeds:
- choose domestic firms that produce quality products;
- the bag must be tightly closed, without damage;
- the number of seeds, a description of the variety and recommendations for care are indicated;
- it must be indicated after what time the harvest can be carried out.
How to prepare beet seeds for sowing?
Planting beet seeds in open ground requires preliminary pre-sowing treatment. If purchased material is used, as a rule, such seeds are completely ready for sowing - they are encrusted with protective preparations, coated, processed in a growth stimulator, etc. In this case, dry seeds are sown without preliminary soaking or germination.
If self-harvested seeds are used, prepare them correctly before sowing:
- soak for a day in warm clean water (it is useful to add wood ash, stimulants, trace elements, manganese to the water for disinfection);
- immediately before sowing, the seeds are dried so that they do not stick together and are evenly distributed in the garden.
The choice of quality seed, correct seed preparation and sowing at the right time allows you to get an excellent beet harvest. If all conditions are met, the first shoots will be noticeable in a few days.