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

27 Jun 15, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
Pots, yes. How many is a question of how big you want then to grow. 100mm a part will get you golf ball size beetroot. 150 mm will get to cricket ball size. If growing in pots it would also be good to keep up a weekly application of liquid fertiliser.
18 Jun 15, kaled (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How to achieve best results growing beetroot and onion.
03 May 15, Debbie (Australia - arid climate)
I have very tiny (almost microscopic) black insects emerging from holes in the shoulder of a few of my beetroot next to the stem. I saw a hole and investigated it, and a dozen or more poured out. The leaves are fine, and there is no damage further down the beetroot (I pulled it out to investigate). Does anyone have any idea what they might be and what I should do?
03 May 15, ann (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my beetroot leaves are getting eaten. What could be causing this?
01 Jul 15, Gilberte Marie Nijs (Australia - temperate climate)
Last year we had a lot of trouble with locusts or grasshoppers, they love the foliage of spinach and beetroots. A good idea is to put nets over the vegetable beds, it gives a bit of shade and you can still water them without lifting the net.
25 Apr 15, ann Nimmett (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
something is eating the leaves on my beetroot.
17 Apr 15, Kay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, my beetroot plants do not form beetroot. Just a long odd shape nothings. Plants look Healthy. Cheers Kay
09 Feb 15, Peter Smith (Australia - temperate climate)
Love beetroot but have no room to plant in the garden can they be grown in containers and how many would be the required amount for a 500mm dia pot.
17 Jan 15, Wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I always find that around 55 days is more than long enough, much after that and they tend to get tough and less tasty.
06 Jan 15, Ralda Ansons (Australia - temperate climate)
I've already harvested one crop of beetroot. Can I now plant another crop? Can it be in the same bed where the spring onions were?
Showing 121 - 130 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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