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

28 Mar 16, sooze (Australia - temperate climate)
Too much shade causes legginess. I would start again and give much more light.
19 Feb 16, Graham (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am getting a corky piece starting to grow out of the dirt do I also separate every one of them and if so do I pull them out of the ground and replant
13 Sep 16, Sally su (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Graham That corky piece might be the makings of a beetroot. Don't pull them all out, just thin out by taking the weaker looking plants to give the stronger plants more room. When you mention replanting, root crops like beetroot and carrot don't respond to transplanting very well, unless you can keep the soil around them intact so as not to disturb the roots at all. Sally Su
12 Feb 16, Adriana (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm from Whyalla, South Australia, when is the best time for me to plant beetroot? Thank you, much appreciated.
11 Mar 16, Sally Su (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Adriana, You can plant beetroot almost all year round in a temperate climate except for 2 months which are May & June. So you have the rest of March and April to have a go, then you will have to wait until July. Happy sowing, Sally Su.
28 Jan 16, Nathalie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I live in Hervey Bay, I will be growing beetroot for the first time. I have eaten beetroot only out of the tin, but I have been told that they are nice roasted as well, but the store bought ones have not been satisfying, so I would like to grow my own. Could you tell me which verity is the best for pickling and for roasting please.
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
Showing 101 - 110 of 291 comments

Me too. I tried on wet paper got 5 from 30. Planted directly into a raised bed got 5 again from heaps. I have soaked some for 24 hours took the floaters out and planted the rest into potting mix. Waiting to see what happens.

- John

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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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