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
  • Young beetroot
  • Seedlings before thinning

Soak seeds in water 24 hours before planting so that you can separate the seeds. Thinning is nearly always required as seedlings emerge from a seedball of several seeds. If you don't thin them, you will get a number of rather pathetic plants which don't grow to an edible size. Harvest in 55 - 70 days but will keep in ground for longer.

Keep well-watered as dry beetroot develop a woody and inedible core. Tip from the Italian Gardener "Make sure the top of the beet's bulb is covered with soil; this keeps the entire bulb the same color and prevents 'corkiness' at the top of the bulb." For tasty and tender beetroot, start harvesting at golfball-size.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Beetroot

Apart from boiling whole for salads, beetroot roast well, cut in wedges.
They also make a tasty salad grated raw with carrot and a little fresh orange juice.

Your comments and tips

14 Feb 21, Herman mhagama (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
In Tanzania also grow well but market is problem where can we get market in South Africa or else in the world
09 Dec 17, Kenneth Chagunda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
thanks John for reply for your on beet root diseases
08 Dec 17, Kenneth Chagunda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
.1.what type of pesticides should be applied to beet roots if attached by pests. 2.what type of fertilizer if any is recommended to be applied to the plants.
20 Nov 17, kenneth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
can i grow beet root during rain season in malawi ,thus dec to march
08 Jun 17, Lucky (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
if I plant beatroot seed around may 20 when is the harvest time
09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Beetroot normally takes 7-10 weeks. You could harvest in July.
04 Jan 17, onkutule (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is beetroot plant safe from Tuta absoluta disease.
17 Dec 16, kansiime bosco (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Thanks for the teaching above, QN, which disease attack beetroot and how can the problem be prevented Does beetroot need a lot of water while in the garden? * can we plant the seeds direct or they should go thru the nursery bed *at what age should be transplanted??
24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Beetroot is relatively disease free. Beetroot is much better sown direct into the ground than transplanted from a seed bed. Try and space the seeds out or buy seeds prespaced on seed tapes. It germinates fairly esily and needs consistent water to get get good sized beets that are not tough and stringy. If you have sown the seed direct you can always use thinings as 'baby' beets. Trust this helps.
29 Aug 16, Evans Ruwa (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi. I am from kenya, coast region. Can beetroot grow well here? Is there ready market for beetroot?
Showing 1 - 10 of 25 comments

i've planted some seedlings that are about 3-4 inches tall, most are doing well but on a few the lower leaves are turning yellow or getting paler. should i remove these leaves or leave them on? new to growing vegetables, any tips?

- Cristy Adrian

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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