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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10 Oct 19, anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a great crop of beetroot growing. About 150 plants in different gardens. I planted bulls blood. I just picked 20 great looking 75-100mm size beets. Cooked them for 1.5 hrs and whamo they are this pinkie colour. Same as I described above. I don't know if it is the variety or whether I over cooked them. Will cook for less time next time. Or I won't grow that variety again.
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25 Nov 19, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am going back to the Detroit variety.
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23 May 19, Reg Offord (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am having problems getting Beetroot seeds to germinate
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04 Jun 20, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Me too. I tried on wet paper got 5 from 30. Planted directly into a raised bed got 5 again from heaps. I have soaked some for 24 hours took the floaters out and planted the rest into potting mix. Waiting to see what happens.
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23 May 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at the information on this page www.gardenate.com/plant/Beetroot?zone=3
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09 Feb 19, Robyn Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
Do beetroot need to be planted direct in the ground where they are to grow or can you transplant easily from seed trays? Thanks.
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10 Feb 19, mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A seed can produce several seedlings. I plant in a tray and then transplant when 50mm high. Best to cover with some shade cloth for a few days to protect from the sun.
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26 Jul 18, Wimal (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I am living in Victoria. what is the best month (near July) for sowing Beetroots?
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26 Jul 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have you checked on this page : www.gardenate.com/plant/Beetroot?zone=2
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07 Apr 18, Jeffrey Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
My beetroot seedling leaves (grown from commercial seed) are getting eaten by something. I have eliminated slugs/snails, rats/mice and birds by adopting appropriate preventative measures. I am at wits end, as I have successfully grown beetroot for many years and this is the first instance I've had issues. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 364 comments
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.1.what type of pesticides should be applied to beet roots if attached by pests. 2.what type of fertilizer if any is recommended to be applied to the plants.

- Kenneth Chagunda

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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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