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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05 Nov 14, marcus turner (Australia - tropical climate)
can beetroot growin the tropics
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04 Oct 14, Esther (Australia - temperate climate)
When can I harvest beet leaves for salad? My beets are 30 days old. The leaves look they are at the right size.
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19 Nov 14, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Esther. You can use them anytime bearing in mind that the larger they grow the tougher they'll get. Remember to keep the water up to them to keep the leaves tender and to swell the beetroot itself
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16 Nov 14, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
You can pick the leaves when they a reasonable size eg more than 10cm is good or bigger if you like it's personal choice. You wont damage the plant by picking them. great in salad or stirfry
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26 Sep 14, jo (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Can I just clarify Sandys post. Acid soil is below 6pH - add lime, alkaline soil is above 8 - add sulphur. I never have ANY LUCK with beetroot - they are the bane of my life......:>>>
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29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Tried growing beetroot for the 1st this year and a Sydneysider. Blood & Bone, pelletised all round manure and turned the soil over. Watered well, put seedlings in and then settled them in with seasol. Two weeks later, watered them in with 2 teaspoons of Boron. Apparently boron sets the beet. Pulled them up two weeks ago and they were the almost the size of a tennis ball. Water regularly. I just ensure that my soil is friable, as too stingy to buy the pH set and also do crop rotation.
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25 Aug 14, Greg (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What feed is preferred for beetroot, onions and potatoes?
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20 Jul 14, Happiness (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
can beetroot be planted in a banana plantation or near it or with maize,cassava,beans,pineapples
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04 Jul 14, Tracey cartman (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Why should i avoid growing beets with Asparagus, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Spinach
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25 Aug 14, Carmel (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Asparagus, Carrots, Sweetcorn, and Spinach will fight with beetroot's for room underground, certain nutrients, and water. Above-ground vegetables have different water and nutrient requirements, so generally you plant above-ground and below-ground together, but not with each other.
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Showing 141 - 150 of 291 comments
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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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