Growing Beetroot, also Beets

Beta vulgaris : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S S S              
    T T T T            
    P P P P            

(Best months for growing Beetroot in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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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21 Oct 13, Ray aletsholo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
where can i find beetroot planters in the northwest province and how much would it cost
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10 Oct 13, M George (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Planted beetroot and the leaves grew large and looked good but the beetroot were exposed above the ground and were pale and underdeveloped. Please explain why.
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13 Jan 14, Dirk Visser (Australia - arid climate)
Good day, i read here your problem with the growing of your beetroot... It's normal that beetroot is growing above the ground but every day you must give water. Let the ground never come to drying.. Excuses for my bad English... i live in Holland.(the Netherlands)...
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15 Aug 13, Henry martins (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Am a nigerian is there any other name or way 4 me 2 recognise a beetroot in my locality.
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
The closest I get is 'ireke'.
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Showing 21 - 25 of 25 comments
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Hi Linda - I think the clue is not to plant out too deeply. As they get close to harvest, move the dirt away from the bulb and if it is about 2-3 cms diameter, I'd pick them. Young is best. Another cooking tip is to scrub them - don't peel - wrap in alfoil and bake until tender (a knife goes in & out easily). Use the alfoil to rub off the skin and save yours from weeks of beetroot stain then I chop into wedges and try balsamic and olive oil or a bit of garlic, chives and butter. Subtle flavours so as not to detract from the beautiful beet!

- Alison

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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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