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 P P P P P P P

(Best months for growing Beetroot in New Zealand - sub-tropical 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

15 Jan 16, Jim (Australia - arid climate)
I planted my Beetroot seedlings in July 2015 and had a bumper crop was very pleased as I use horse manure a year old from my compost mixed with garden soil the result has been outstanding also same treatment for my Tomatoes with bumper crops hanging from the frames I had to built to hold them up we live near the beach south Adelaide great results from last years enquiry
18 Nov 15, ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
are beetroot leaves okay to dig in as fertiliser
17 Nov 15, John Stericker (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, when you "pick" the beetroot, is that it? Do they keep producing beetroot even after you have harvested or do you need to plant new seeds? Sorry if this sounds like a dumb questions
18 Nov 15, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes John that is "it", you will have to plant new seeds again.... Happy Gardening
06 Sep 15, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I been a bit lazy,the beetroot and the silverbeet crops are growing too well. I regular water carrots are ok.I know do NOT fertilise carrots,got to separate the other stuff. AND potato and broad beans ok.I even know the broad beans like alkaline soil,potato like acidic. not huge difference,Im not science. I reckon beans are 7.5,the potato's are about 6. I gonna hit them potassium soon,then they stop being leaf. Spinach is brill,good for ya. Gaz
31 Aug 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
forgot to mention that beetroot leaves are great to eat also,just cook like silverbeet.
30 Aug 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
planted beetroot seedlings in june and just finished picking ,first time i have planted beetroot,i was worried that they didnt grow so went pull them out and found all the bulbs where above ground.and we have roasted them,and are delicious.
30 Jul 15, Leo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted Beetroot about 3 months ago Dig down no sign of any Bulbs What would be the cause Planted about 12 Seedlings all the same ?? Type Bulls blood Fertilized about 2 weeks before Planting with all round veg Fertilizer
17 Aug 15, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Leo, I have minimal bulb growth with Bullls blood in Brisbane. Try any of the Detroit beets next time (they have green tops), and keep up the liquid fertiliser fortnightly.
03 Aug 15, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Leo, You might trying feeding them a bit more with a fish emulsion or similar type of organic liquid fertiliser. It's possible the cold winter has slowed them up, and if they're not getting enough nutrition/water that would add to their woes. Take heart, I sometimes find exactly the same thing happens with mine. I would also plant some more seedings/seeds now - with spring coming on you should get a bit more action from the next planting. Good luck!
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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.
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