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 Jul 10, Belinda Welland (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On your site it says to sow at a particular time, and I am assuming that is for seeds. Is there any difference if I am going to use seedlings from the nursery? Can you recommend a book or website where I can learn about growing my first vegetable garden, the dos and do nots etc? Thanks
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21 May 10, Brenton (Australia - temperate climate)
Can beetroot have any other colour,saw TV program they used yellow&white beetroot in the salad
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24 May 10, Debra (Australia - temperate climate)
Both Diggers and New Gippsland Seeds have golden, white, red and white beetroots - taste just like regular beetroot, maybe a bit milder or sweeter according the the type. the white ones are great for pickling and putting in sandwiches - if they drip, no stains.
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16 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
@anna, I would slice the beetroot thinly and put them in a low oven (120C) until dry enough - or use a dehydrator
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21 Mar 10, brian slane (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thank you Lisa (Australia)
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15 Mar 10, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Early spring I planted Rainbow Beets. Wonderful. I got white, red, yellow and varying combinations of coloured ringed beets. They look great in the pickling jar and taste just as good
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08 Mar 10, Sherale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
whats the best fertilizer for beetroot as I planted a month ago and seedlings very small..
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07 Mar 10, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Beetroot will push upwards when it is ready and you can usually see a decent sized top over the top of the soil.
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05 Mar 10, brian slane (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Just like a previous writer, I would like to know when beetroot is ready to harvest
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25 Feb 10, sharon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Beetroot will turn white when cooked if you cut the stalks to close to the bulb before cooking Leave some stalk on when cooking or they bleed out into the water.
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Showing 241 - 250 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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