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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01 Sep 13, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, they do grow beets in Laguna area.. Please check out marketmanila.com's post about beets in the Philippines .. I initially meant to reply to this comment, I posted a new one instead.. good luck with planting, please do let me know if you're successful!
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14 Dec 12, Davin (Australia - temperate climate)
Dont throw the leaves away! there are heaps of recipe's online that can utilise them! its like throwing away mushroom stems and only eating the top! they are all edible and have their own nutritional benefits!
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10 Jan 13, Ferran (Australia - temperate climate)
Did you know that they are closely related to chard? however they were selectively bread and now are two different types of plants.
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13 Nov 12, Desiree Gooding (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best soil type to grow beetroot in the Caribbean?
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11 Nov 12, sheila dunn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Should any fertilizer be dug into the soil pror to planting. Thanks
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03 Nov 12, Mohan (Australia - temperate climate)
The critical element for growing beetroot is Boron absorbed between pH 4.5 to 6. It is best sprayed in very very small quantities, since the safe range is 0.3 ppm to 1.0 part per million. Borax(9 mg per one litre water) or Boric acid (4 mg per one litre water) or a readymade spray called solubor may be used.
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20 Oct 12, joy (Australia - temperate climate)
what soil to put beetroot in
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01 Nov 12, Paul (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Joy, See my reply to a similar question on 5 September.
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22 Sep 12, Paul (Box Hill) (Australia - temperate climate)
Rather than composting the leaves they are delicious in salads.
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22 Sep 12, henry (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are my beetroot spliting.
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Showing 251 - 260 of 367 comments
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At my local farmer's market a person sells dried beetroot which is delish. I'd like to use it for cooking preferably biscuits. Anyone seen anything on this plse, or suggestions?

- Anna

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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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