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 S S S S S S S S
T T T T T T T T T T T T
P P P P P P P P P P P P

(Best months for growing Beetroot in Australia - sub-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

23 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can pick whatever size you want. They say grow for 7-10 weeks to harvest. At say 8-10 weeks you will have varying size beets. Pick the lot or pick the bigger ones and see if the smaller will grow bigger. 3-4" or 75-100mm across is a good size.
12 Sep 17, Prakash Chandra (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
How far apart should the rows be for planting beetroot
13 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Website - The Seed Collection - go to top right hand side - click on Gardening info - click on Sowing chart. Print a copy off for future reference. Says 30-40cm - make it 40 or so. Don't give them too much N or water.
12 Sep 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
I space my beetroot rows about 20-25cm apart.
23 Apr 17, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
can beetroot grow in wicking beds? What other vegetables would be ok to grow? This is a new venture as we will not be home for one to two weeks at a time and would like to work in the garden when we get home.
22 May 17, Sabena Winston (Australia - temperate climate)
Grew enormous beetroot in our wicking bed. Good luck.
23 Apr 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
The principle behind a wicking bed is that the water is drawn up by 'wicking' (like a candle or kerosene lamp). Any vegetable should grow in this system except maybe long carrots or parsnips that need deeper soil or growing medium. The wicking is only effective up to a certain depth. Try it and let us know how you go.
19 Jun 17, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
have planted beet in wicking bed from seed and all seeds germinated. Very happy with results with plants looking healthy. Tried silver beet and have been cultivating leaves for a while now. Once again, very happy with outcome. Planted leeks and brown onion and all have taken off. Snow peas are growing well. Will comment on the beds when all plants are near cultivation.Have not tried deep rooted vegies, such as carrots but will give them a go. Have 300 mls of soil to play with. This experiment has surprised me so far.
20 Apr 17, Beverly (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time in Melbourne to transplant beetroot seedlings (which were bought recently from a nursery)? Can the plants be transplanted in autumn?
21 Apr 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
You can plant beetroot seedlings now. try seeds next time as they are easy to sow and grow well without transplanting disturbance.
Showing 51 - 60 of 291 comments

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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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