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 P P P

(Best months for growing Beetroot in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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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07 Jun 23, deidre (Australia - arid climate)
Beetroots fill out more in warm weather. Other reasons for size variations include planting too close together or not enough phosphorus in the soil. Sowing a green manure crop will remedy nutrient deficiencies. Good luck!
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08 May 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I grow from seed, plant out when 3-4 leaf stage about 5-6
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12 Mar 23, Stephen MUSGRAVE (Australia - temperate climate)
You say not to grow beetroot near carrots. What happens if they are close together
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03 Feb 23, Helen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've read that beetroot likes boron and this should be added to them at some stage. How much is required, what ratio to water ( 1 teaspoon to 9 litres????) At what stage ( seeds, growing seedlings, or plants with bulbs forming and how often. Also can I grow outside of my greenhouse over the colder months of winter or make sure harvested before frosts??
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06 Feb 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I wouldn't get too tied up on the boron. If you buy some read the directions or read before you buy. You would only need to apply once as it is a minor element. Plants would not need much boron so don't go overboard with it. Some fertilisers have it in it.
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16 Sep 22, Teresa Mccullar (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Can beets survive winter in ground in 4b? I want seeds . (Midwest Minnesota)
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01 Jul 22, Susan Lauer (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Any tips for growing beets in the south? Also why does it say not to grow them near corn? I had thought the corn could provide some shade and lessen the heat. Thanks!
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05 Jul 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 4a climate)
I don't know the reason but if planted beside the corn and it shades the beetroot then the beetroot won't receive enough sunlight and you will have weak thin plants. Corn needs sun and heat.
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24 May 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I'm in Zone 7a (Maryland). I regularly plant beet seeds September through November, then cover them with a plastic sheet (support the middle, weigh down the sides) after the hard frosts start. I uncover them again about March, and they are ready to harvest in April and May (done by the end of May).
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28 Oct 23, Noemia (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Thank you.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 367 comments
See comments for all plants

How is it that some of us can't grow beets? I( and some of my gardening friends) follow all the advice and all I get is luscious leaves and thin dry beet. only about 0.01% grow to something less than a golf ball size and that takes much longest that the 7- 10 weeks mentioned.

- Rana

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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. GardenGrow 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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