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 7°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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

04 Jun 20, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
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.
23 May 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at the information on this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Beetroot?zone=3
09 Feb 19, Robyn Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
Do beetroot need to be planted direct in the ground where they are to grow or can you transplant easily from seed trays? Thanks.
10 Feb 19, mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A seed can produce several seedlings. I plant in a tray and then transplant when 50mm high. Best to cover with some shade cloth for a few days to protect from the sun.
26 Jul 18, Wimal (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I am living in Victoria. what is the best month (near July) for sowing Beetroots?
26 Jul 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have you checked on this page : www.gardenate.com/plant/Beetroot?zone=2
07 Apr 18, Jeffrey Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
My beetroot seedling leaves (grown from commercial seed) are getting eaten by something. I have eliminated slugs/snails, rats/mice and birds by adopting appropriate preventative measures. I am at wits end, as I have successfully grown beetroot for many years and this is the first instance I've had issues. Any advice would be appreciated.
23 Apr 18, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you have sugar cane straw as mulch. I have found the slaters and big brown grubs come out of the mulch at night and demolish anything new. I had the same problem as you with new beetroot seedlings and in desperation sparingly sprinkled some snail/slater bait amongst them. Whilst I never found any dead snails or slaters, the problem disappeared. Hope this helps.
09 Apr 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
50 or 70% shade cloth for awhile.
14 Mar 18, Kylie (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you plant beetroot in a pot or is it best in the ground?
Showing 31 - 40 of 291 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Beetroot

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.