About Sugar Beets
Sugar beets are a warm-spring-planted, cool-fall-peaking biennial grown as an annual food plot crop that produces energy-dense roots containing 13–22% sucrose — making them among the highest-energy food sources available to late-season deer. Deer eat both the leafy tops and dig out the roots, and once they discover the roots they return repeatedly until the supply is exhausted. Sugar beets require fertile soil, a long growing season (90–100 days), and are best grown as a pure stand because they cannot tolerate competition from weeds or companion crops in the establishment phase.
How much Sugar Beets seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Sugar Beets is 8–10 lbs per acre, dropping to about 7 lbs per acre when drilled. 8–10 lb/ac broadcast; 6–8 lb/ac drilled. Best as a pure stand — limited tolerance for competition. Pill-coated seed is common; adjust rate for coating if needed. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Sugar Beets
Sugar Beets is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in May–Jun (planted in spring; cool fall weather maximizes sugar content); farther south, plant in Apr–May. Sow it 1/2" deep and plan on 90–100.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 400 lb/ac 13-13-13 or 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting. Additional fertilizer boost 4–8 weeks later accelerates root development. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Sugar Beets FAQ
- How much Sugar Beets seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Sugar Beets at about 8–10 lbs per acre, or 7 lbs per acre if you drill it. 8–10 lb/ac broadcast; 6–8 lb/ac drilled. Best as a pure stand — limited tolerance for competition. Pill-coated seed is common; adjust rate for coating if needed.
- When should I plant Sugar Beets?
- In the northern US plant in May–Jun (planted in spring; cool fall weather maximizes sugar content); in the South plant in Apr–May. Expect 90–100.
- What soil pH does Sugar Beets need?
- Sugar Beets does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 400 lb/ac 13-13-13 or 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting. Additional fertilizer boost 4–8 weeks later accelerates root development.
- Do deer like Sugar Beets?
- Deer preference: high — 13–22% sucrose; deer 'hammer' beet roots once they discover them; tops eaten first, then roots dug from soil; best late-season.