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 7°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
28 Nov 08, Cristy Adrian (Australia - temperate climate)
i've planted some seedlings that are about 3-4 inches tall, most are doing well but on a few the lower leaves are turning yellow or getting paler. should i remove these leaves or leave them on? new to growing vegetables, any tips?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Nov 08, john mcentee (Australia - temperate climate)
hi new gardner here how do you know when to pick beetroot
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Nov 08, john mcentee (Australia - temperate climate)
any body got good tips for cooking beetroot
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Nov 08, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, i'm just wondering if beetroot needs to be prepared in any way before eating?
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Jul 08, Barbara in Lane Cove (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've had success with "chitting" the beetroot seed - ie" soaking it on a shallow tray between two layers of kitchen paper. You need to keep the paper wet. Keep an eye on them, and you'll see which seeds are sprouting, and just plant those. Has increased my success rate. Also highlights when a batch of seeds is past it (despite what the packet says).
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jul 08, Stephen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Beetroot are a form of chard/silverbeet and the leaves are just as tasty. Lightly steam or stir fry. The stalks (if not woody) are great chopped up and used in casseroles.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jan 08, Liz (Australia - tropical climate)
Keep well watered in dry spells or else they get "woody" ie hard.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Dec 07, Tim (Unknown climate)
If growing by seed, always plant in two's. beetroot dont always sprout up.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 361 - 368 of 368 comments
See comments for all plants

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.