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

05 Feb 15, Tim (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes that should be fine on both counts. What I normally do with my beets (and indeed any other crop that I grown from seed direct in the garden) is place some seeds into the middle of the suggested spacing between plants once the developed crop is about two weeks away from harvest. This allows time for new seedlings to come through without taking over the space in the garden. Hope this helps
07 Dec 14, Fay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some of my beetroot are red on skin but when I cut them they are white. What have I done wrong? Can we still eat them?
25 Dec 14, RootBeet (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like you might have a heirloom variety 'chioggia' look them up.
02 Dec 14, Marion (Australia - arid climate)
hi, from the calendar you need to wait at least 3 months, my beetroot has been in since June and are quite hugh . You could have planted them too close together, I had no problems transplanting them to giVe them more space to grow as well.
30 Nov 14, denise (Australia) (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted beetroot 6 weeks ago and feeding every 2 weeks with seasol, leaves look healthy and lush. Pulled up one plant to find the beetroot is the size of a walnut, why is that?
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.
Showing 131 - 140 of 291 comments

I try to thin my small seedlings when they are about 1” to 2”. I’d space the plants as directed 4” apart if you want beets, by snipping them with scissors. That way you don’t disturb the root. I often remove as many as I keep.

- Jen

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