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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14 Jan 11, Mal Douglas (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can you buy boron? Mal.
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16 Jan 11, Pete (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can buy Boron in the supermarket as Borax - about $5 for a box. ( Borax is very toxic, so keep out of reach of children - Liz)
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25 Dec 10, Colin Cook (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sometimes my beetroot develop red leaves and do not grow well; what does this indicate please?
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30 Oct 10, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
try roasting them along with other "usual" vegetables, brush clean - leaves roots and top on (take off most of the stalks)
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17 Oct 10, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
Don't forget to add beetroot leaves in salads when they are small - yum.
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09 Sep 10, krystalbuzz (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you grow beetroot from the tops?
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16 Jun 11, gardenmad (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was just trying to find out the same thing! No luck with an answer yet? I have planted some tops and they are looking good, don't know if they will develop a root though. I will keep a look out on this site.
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24 Jul 10, janice (Australia - temperate climate)
i havn't got much space for a garden can i plant vegies in foam boxes
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06 Sep 10, Evette (Australia - temperate climate)
you can, but you need to make sure the drainage is and soil is good. Good luck
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18 Aug 10, Mick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Foam boxes are great - make sure you allow enough space for the beets to grow (deep and wide!)
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Why is it advised not to grow beetroot next to spinach?

- Mary

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