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

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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
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31 Aug 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
forgot to mention that beetroot leaves are great to eat also,just cook like silverbeet.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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12 Aug 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
I have to disagree,fish emulsion will give them a boost and appear correct. It's Nitrogen,very good for leaf growth.but root growth luv potassium and phos. By adding Nitrogen it increases leaf growth. A root vegetable wants P(phos) then K (potassium).NPK is rated on all fertiliser. PS you can eat beetroot leaves.Gaz
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26 Jul 15, Holly (Australia - temperate climate)
They are probably genetically modified seeds. You are best to buy open pollinated seeds as you can save them each season and re-plant. Many seeds are treated chemically. Buy the right ones at the start, avoid anything to do with Monsanto products, and join a seed savers group. Happy gardening!
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13 Jul 15, luke (Australia - temperate climate)
i sowed some carrots and beetroots in late may. they sprouted within 3 weeks, but growth is very slow and i am only just seeing true leaves on carrots and on some beetroots. is this normal ?
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14 Jul 15, Luke (Australia - temperate climate)
The beetroot leaves have turned completely purple. Is this cause of the cold weather lately ?
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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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