Growing Beetroot, also Beets

Beta vulgaris : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P P P          

(Best months for growing Beetroot in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 45°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Silverbeet (Swiss Chard), Lettuce, Cabbage, Dwarf Beans, Dill, Peas. Strawberries
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Spinach

Your comments and tips

08 Dec 17, Kenneth Chagunda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
.1.what type of pesticides should be applied to beet roots if attached by pests. 2.what type of fertilizer if any is recommended to be applied to the plants.
02 Dec 17, Gary Ellard (Australia - temperate climate)
Finally cultivated beetroot,onions andsnow peas. Bumper crop of beetroot with large "fruit". Very flavoursome. Onions were the surprise. Massive fruit and now hanging in shed.Leeks still going but have swelled stalks. Also looking good. Silver beet protruding 350mm above w/bed and still producing. no seed bolt yet. Wicking exceeded my expectations. In process of establishing 4 more "beds" Brilliant.
22 Nov 17, elane (Australia - temperate climate)
how do I know when my beetroots are ready to harvest?
23 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can pick whatever size you want. They say grow for 7-10 weeks to harvest. At say 8-10 weeks you will have varying size beets. Pick the lot or pick the bigger ones and see if the smaller will grow bigger. 3-4" or 75-100mm across is a good size.
20 Nov 17, kenneth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
can i grow beet root during rain season in malawi ,thus dec to march
12 Sep 17, Prakash Chandra (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
How far apart should the rows be for planting beetroot
13 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Website - The Seed Collection - go to top right hand side - click on Gardening info - click on Sowing chart. Print a copy off for future reference. Says 30-40cm - make it 40 or so. Don't give them too much N or water.
12 Sep 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
I space my beetroot rows about 20-25cm apart.
08 Jun 17, Lucky (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
if I plant beatroot seed around may 20 when is the harvest time
09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Beetroot normally takes 7-10 weeks. You could harvest in July.
Showing 81 - 90 of 368 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Beetroot

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.