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

06 Oct 13, Joe Wheeler (Australia - tropical climate)
www.diggersclub.com.au
31 Aug 13, Carolyn Sydney- temperate (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had beetroot in the ground for 2 months or more not growing much I would like also to know what to use for an organic fertiliser, I have compost, worm castings and chicken manure.
15 Sep 13, ej (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Strewth ... Where to start? What variety are they? Are they at least 10 > 15 cm apart? PH needs to be 6.5 > 7.5. They are a root crop, so low levels of nitrogen is a must. Phosphorus & potassium levels need to be adequate. Organic fertiliser would include rock dust, well rotted compost, green manure (lucerne) or rotted cow/sheep/horse manure. Use worm castings with caution but don't use chook poo due to nitrogen levels unless you are looking to crop beet leaves for salads, not the roots. All this soil work should have been done before planting. Soil needs to be damp, not wet. Best watered early morning (sunrise) & allowed to dry somewhat between waterings. Good luck.
31 Aug 13, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, I'm also interested in growing beets in PH, i don't know anyone who grows beets where i live, im in central luzon and it can get very very hot. There are beets possibly in baguio, tagaytay or anywhere colder...(?) Anyway, I'm planning to grow them in a container, on the east wall of our house, so they won't get the harsh afternoon sun and so i can move them indoors when there's a typhoon..please let me know if you are successful, thanks!
30 Aug 13, Rod (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What type of fertiliser can I use on my beet root seedlings thank you
15 Sep 13, ej (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rod, See my reply to Carolyn above.
20 Aug 13, Tess Hopson (Australia - arid climate)
When do you spray the borax mix and how? Do you spray the leaves or before you plant or during ??? Thanks
15 Sep 13, ej (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are you sure you have a boron deficiency? Usually well rotted compost provides enough. PH needs to be between 6.5 > 7.5. If you have been mulching & the PH has dropped, add a little dolomite. If you must use it (too much is toxic), you add a pinch to a watering can (yes, just a pinch, like 1/2 a teaspoon is getting towards overkill) along with some seaweed solution and water the plants with it when the seedlings have reached the 4 leaf stage. Good luck.
28 Jul 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am trying to grow mini beets but they have been in the ground since June and no veg so far, I didn't know you had to separate first,,,,
12 May 13, Anne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I put the "lid" of a beetroot in some water and the leaves sprouted, so I dipped it in rooting powder and put the lot in a pot. Now the leaves are continuing to grow. What's happening under the soil? Are little beets going to grow? How do I make them grow? Do I separate out the clumps of leaf and replant each in a pot or in the garden? Advice please! Thank you
Showing 171 - 180 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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