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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01 Nov 12, Paul (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Joy, See my reply to a similar question on 5 September.
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22 Sep 12, henry (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are my beetroot spliting.
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23 Nov 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
you are letting your beetroot get too thirsty watering twice a day will help also dont use too much fertilizer, forcing them to grow is not a good idea
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22 Sep 12, Karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, do you need seeds to grow beetroot, or can I just plant a beetroot and grow more, like you can with potatoes?
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13 Oct 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You need seed to grow beetroot. They aren't a tuber and won't grow usefully from an existing beetroot, although you can get them to grow leaves which are edible.
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12 Oct 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
no beetroot needs its own seed :)
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05 Sep 12, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
To grow beet roots successfully what are the best tips........
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10 Sep 12, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Michael, what I have found is this: lightly manured / composted soil (too much nitrogen enhances leaf growth and not root growth - you want root growth). Loose / light soil becasue the root will struggle in thick/clay like soil. Spacing between plants is good if you can put a tennis ball between plants. Finally, when you pick them, twist off the leaves and throw into compost. Dont leave the leafs on.
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23 Aug 12, Pamela (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just found a bag off old seeds threw them in the garden thinking nothing would happen, and every seed has come up. lol
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19 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi john. I've found that a good fertilizer works, but one with very low nitrogen. It gives them a kick on without the excessive leaf growth. But I grow the Lutz greenleaf variety now, which gives me good bulbs with lovely green tops to eat as well.
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Showing 191 - 200 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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