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

03 Dec 14, Gerard (Australia - temperate climate)
I find it takes more than 6 weeks for them to mature to a good size. I find I can use a few of the leaves from the plant at this stage, especially if the tops are lush and well developed.
01 Dec 14, Maxe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Denise....remember that Seasol is NOT a fertiliser. It stimulates root growth, and is very good to apply when transplanting. It acts like a 'tonic' for plants and guards against transplant shock. Always soak seedlings in it for an hour or so. before planting out. Makes a huge difference in those first few days of acclimatisation. Go find a good organic Fertiliser and start again. Living + gardening = learning! ;-)
05 Feb 15, Tim (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Denise, in addition to the previous reply, just like to add that once a fortnight (or once a week for heavy feeders), I use a combination of PowerFeed Liquid Fertiliser (Bunnings or any garden centre) and SeaSol. Use about 50 mL of each and dilute to 9L (watering can)
16 Nov 14, wayne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My beetroot bulbs are coming above soil level .planted them4 weeks ago. What should I do.the bulb size is about 25 mm.thanks
08 Nov 14, Linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am trialing the worm farm shown in Better Homes and Gardens in my raised garden bed. 100mm polypipe with holes and a lid. plant in the soil up to the holes, add worms and compost then every week add some food scraps and water and the nutirents seep into the soil. Would love any tips if anyone else has trialed this successfully.
05 Nov 14, marcus turner (Australia - tropical climate)
can beetroot growin the tropics
22 Oct 14, Amanda (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can l plant beet (not seeds) that have grown roots?
26 Feb 16, hennie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
beetroot don't like transplanting , it is not advisable
04 Oct 14, Esther (Australia - temperate climate)
When can I harvest beet leaves for salad? My beets are 30 days old. The leaves look they are at the right size.
19 Nov 14, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Esther. You can use them anytime bearing in mind that the larger they grow the tougher they'll get. Remember to keep the water up to them to keep the leaves tender and to swell the beetroot itself
Showing 191 - 200 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.