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

22 Sep 12, henry (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are my beetroot spliting.
23 Nov 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
you are letting your beetroot get too thirsty watering twice a day will help also dont use too much fertilizer, forcing them to grow is not a good idea
22 Sep 12, Karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, do you need seeds to grow beetroot, or can I just plant a beetroot and grow more, like you can with potatoes?
13 Oct 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You need seed to grow beetroot. They aren't a tuber and won't grow usefully from an existing beetroot, although you can get them to grow leaves which are edible.
12 Oct 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
no beetroot needs its own seed :)
05 Sep 12, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
To grow beet roots successfully what are the best tips........
10 Sep 12, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Michael, what I have found is this: lightly manured / composted soil (too much nitrogen enhances leaf growth and not root growth - you want root growth). Loose / light soil becasue the root will struggle in thick/clay like soil. Spacing between plants is good if you can put a tennis ball between plants. Finally, when you pick them, twist off the leaves and throw into compost. Dont leave the leafs on.
23 Aug 12, Pamela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just found a bag off old seeds threw them in the garden thinking nothing would happen, and every seed has come up. lol
19 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi john. I've found that a good fertilizer works, but one with very low nitrogen. It gives them a kick on without the excessive leaf growth. But I grow the Lutz greenleaf variety now, which gives me good bulbs with lovely green tops to eat as well.
17 Jul 12, John Campbell (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best thing to put on young beetroot plants to promote the root growth more than the leaves
Showing 261 - 270 of 368 comments

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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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