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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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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05 Jul 10, Ray South (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Belinda, I like most of Jackie French's books. They're easy to read and full of info. Something like Backyard Self-sufficiency or Organic Gardening. However, I'd start with my local library. Find a book that looks like it might do and borrow it. Only borrow one so that you can get familiar with it. Also, if it's your first veggie garden, go with easy things to grow. If you have a local gardening club, particularly something along the lines of BOGI (Brisbane Organic Growers Inc.), join up and pick their brains. There's nothing like homegrown. Good luck.
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05 Jul 10, Belinda Welland (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On your site it says to sow at a particular time, and I am assuming that is for seeds. Is there any difference if I am going to use seedlings from the nursery? Can you recommend a book or website where I can learn about growing my first vegetable garden, the dos and do nots etc? Thanks
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05 Jul 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The plants from a nursery are usually ready to plant out but you might need to harden them off a bit first. To do that, put the pots or punnets outside during the day and then put them under cover or close to the house, at night. Do that for about a week. That should help the seedlings adjust to temperature changes.
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21 May 10, Brenton (Australia - temperate climate)
Can beetroot have any other colour,saw TV program they used yellow&white beetroot in the salad
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24 May 10, Debra (Australia - temperate climate)
Both Diggers and New Gippsland Seeds have golden, white, red and white beetroots - taste just like regular beetroot, maybe a bit milder or sweeter according the the type. the white ones are great for pickling and putting in sandwiches - if they drip, no stains.
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16 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
@anna, I would slice the beetroot thinly and put them in a low oven (120C) until dry enough - or use a dehydrator
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Hi Gloria, There could be several causes of your problem but it is difficult to identify exactly from such a short request for help. The most likely cause is too much nitrogen right from planting time onwards. However, associated with that is commonly an outbreak of leaf diseases. If it is too much nitrogen I’d suggest side dressing the plants with a fertilizer mixture with very low or NO nitrogen, preferably dig it in and give a good watering. On another point, too much watering over time could also cause your problem. Also, another reason could be that some beetroot varieties are notorious for high foliage and small root production as they are specifically grown as leaf beets. The leaves of beetroot are very tasty and nutritious and it is shame ort not eat them either after harvesting or from on-growing plants. Hope this helps a bit. John Bee Master Gardener

- John Bee

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