How to Grow Red Ace
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Red Ace
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
vegetableRed Ace is a quick-maturing beet variety known for its uniformly round, deep red roots and tender greens. It produces smooth, dark red bulbs with excellent sweetness and minimal zoning, making it ideal for fresh eating and storage. The variety is prized by home gardeners for its reliability and consistent quality.
When should you plant Red Ace in your zone?
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Example Red Ace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Ace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Ace
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Ace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; excellent for cool-season growing in most climates
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; true leaves appear with distinctive heart-shaped cotyledons. Seedlings develop a thin taproot and 2-4 true leaves.
Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart when 1-2 inches tall; remove weak or crowded plants. Keep soil consistently moist. Provide good light if growing indoors.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksFoliage expands with 4-8 leaves per plant; greens reach 6-8 inches tall. Root begins to swell slightly beneath soil surface, still forming the bulbous structure.
Maintain consistent moisture and thin to final spacing (3 inches). Side-dress with balanced fertilizer or compost at 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and prevent root exposure (causes greening).
Root Development & Enlargement
3-4 weeksRoot bulb visibly swells and rounds out; diameter increases from 0.5 to 1.5+ inches. Skin darkens to deep red; greens remain vibrant and edible.
Continue regular watering; avoid drought stress which hardens roots. Keep mulch from directly touching the crown. Side-dress sparingly if soil is poor. Monitor for bolting in cool spells followed by heat.
Root Maturity & Harvest Readiness
Until harvest (50-70 days total)Roots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with smooth, uniform shape. Greens may show slight yellowing at base. Skin is glossy dark red with minimal zoning.
Reduce watering slightly if rains are heavy. Begin harvesting when roots are tennis-ball sized for tender quality, or wait until 3 inches for storage. Harvest from outside of row to allow others to continue growing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae; use row covers on young plants; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation occurs; monitor for dark droppings on leaves.
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Remove and destroy affected leaves; encourage natural predators; severe infestations can be managed with neem oil sprays.
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Use row covers on seedlings; apply diatomaceous earth; dust with neem oil; beetles are more problematic on young transplants.
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Remove affected leaves; overhead watering disrupts egg-laying; spinosad or neem oil for severe cases; less damaging as plants mature.
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Control with row covers; reflective mulches deter insects; manage neighboring weeds that harbor pests; spray with insecticidal soap if needed.
Uses
Fresh roasting and cooking
CulinaryRed Ace's tender roots and naturally high sugar content make them ideal for roasting, boiling, or steaming. Both the sweet roots and nutritious greens are excellent in salads, soups, and as side dishes. [source]
Betalain antioxidants
MedicinalThe deep red pigmentation comes from betalains, potent antioxidants linked to reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. Raw beet juice or cooked roots are commonly consumed for these health benefits. [source]
Nitrate-rich performance food
CulinaryBeets are naturally rich in dietary nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body and may improve blood flow and athletic performance. Athletes often consume beet juice before training. [source]
Natural food coloring and dye
HouseholdThe vibrant red-purple pigment can be extracted and used as a natural food dye for desserts, beverages, and baked goods, and as a fabric dye. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf a few plants are allowed to bolt and flower, the small red flowers attract bees and beneficial insects. Beet greens also provide food for native herbivorous insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest Red Ace at 2-3 inches in diameter for tender, sweet roots (50-60 days), or allow to grow larger (up to 4 inches) for storage. Twist or pull roots gently after loosening soil. Harvest greens separately anytime after 4-6 weeks for salads; removing outer leaves encourages continued growth. For winter storage, cure roots in cool (50°F) humid location for 1-2 weeks, then store at 32-40°F with high humidity; can last 3-4 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Ace was developed by the Japanese seed company Takii and is known as one of the most uniform and reliable beet varieties worldwide, trusted by both home gardeners and commercial growers.
- 🌱 Beets are one of the few vegetables that require a long photoperiod and cool temperatures to naturally bolt; Red Ace is less prone to bolting than older varieties, making it excellent for spring and early summer harvests.
- 🌱 The red color intensifies with age and proper growing conditions; mature Red Ace beets develop an almost black-red hue when stored properly, and the color remains stable even after cooking.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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