Mangel Sugar Beets Are Small But Have Tall Leaf Growth

Question From: m. nicklaus - Menominee, Michigan, United States
Q: planted mangel beets (sugar beets),have tall greens on top but the beet is very small,,help please!! thank you.

A: Mike, these are beets grown for fodder. They grow best in cool weather, so should be planted in early spring or fall. If you fertilized them with a high nitrogen fertilizer you stimulated leaf growth at the expense of the beet. They may beef up this fall. Best Nancy.