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

30 Jul 15, Leo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted Beetroot about 3 months ago Dig down no sign of any Bulbs What would be the cause Planted about 12 Seedlings all the same ?? Type Bulls blood Fertilized about 2 weeks before Planting with all round veg Fertilizer
17 Aug 15, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Leo, I have minimal bulb growth with Bullls blood in Brisbane. Try any of the Detroit beets next time (they have green tops), and keep up the liquid fertiliser fortnightly.
03 Aug 15, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Leo, You might trying feeding them a bit more with a fish emulsion or similar type of organic liquid fertiliser. It's possible the cold winter has slowed them up, and if they're not getting enough nutrition/water that would add to their woes. Take heart, I sometimes find exactly the same thing happens with mine. I would also plant some more seedings/seeds now - with spring coming on you should get a bit more action from the next planting. Good luck!
12 Aug 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
I have to disagree,fish emulsion will give them a boost and appear correct. It's Nitrogen,very good for leaf growth.but root growth luv potassium and phos. By adding Nitrogen it increases leaf growth. A root vegetable wants P(phos) then K (potassium).NPK is rated on all fertiliser. PS you can eat beetroot leaves.Gaz
26 Jul 15, Holly (Australia - temperate climate)
They are probably genetically modified seeds. You are best to buy open pollinated seeds as you can save them each season and re-plant. Many seeds are treated chemically. Buy the right ones at the start, avoid anything to do with Monsanto products, and join a seed savers group. Happy gardening!
24 Jul 15, Laetus (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am struggling with a seed that bought in senves agricultural coporation. The seed is forthook spinach,it does not germinate. What could be the problem?
13 Jul 15, luke (Australia - temperate climate)
i sowed some carrots and beetroots in late may. they sprouted within 3 weeks, but growth is very slow and i am only just seeing true leaves on carrots and on some beetroots. is this normal ?
14 Jul 15, Luke (Australia - temperate climate)
The beetroot leaves have turned completely purple. Is this cause of the cold weather lately ?
27 Jun 15, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
Pots, yes. How many is a question of how big you want then to grow. 100mm a part will get you golf ball size beetroot. 150 mm will get to cricket ball size. If growing in pots it would also be good to keep up a weekly application of liquid fertiliser.
18 Jun 15, kaled (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How to achieve best results growing beetroot and onion.
Showing 171 - 180 of 371 comments

They are probably genetically modified seeds. You are best to buy open pollinated seeds as you can save them each season and re-plant. Many seeds are treated chemically. Buy the right ones at the start, avoid anything to do with Monsanto products, and join a seed savers group. Happy gardening!

- Holly

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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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