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

28 Mar 16, sooze (Australia - temperate climate)
Too much shade causes legginess. I would start again and give much more light.
02 Mar 16, Mr. Mmusetsi Chesa Monaise (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
which ferterlizer is good for beetroot
13 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Needs little nitrogen. Too much will lead to excessive foliage at the expense of root development. As long as you've given the soil a boost with blood and bone before planting, they should have enough phosphorous for healthy root growth.
19 Feb 16, Graham (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am getting a corky piece starting to grow out of the dirt do I also separate every one of them and if so do I pull them out of the ground and replant
13 Sep 16, Sally su (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Graham That corky piece might be the makings of a beetroot. Don't pull them all out, just thin out by taking the weaker looking plants to give the stronger plants more room. When you mention replanting, root crops like beetroot and carrot don't respond to transplanting very well, unless you can keep the soil around them intact so as not to disturb the roots at all. Sally Su
14 Feb 16, jackie.fick (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
could I plant beetroot in same land that garlic had fusarium rot
17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would not advise it. You're better off sterilizing the soil as many plants are susceptible to fusarium root rot.
12 Feb 16, Adriana (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm from Whyalla, South Australia, when is the best time for me to plant beetroot? Thank you, much appreciated.
11 Mar 16, Sally Su (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Adriana, You can plant beetroot almost all year round in a temperate climate except for 2 months which are May & June. So you have the rest of March and April to have a go, then you will have to wait until July. Happy sowing, Sally Su.
28 Jan 16, Nathalie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I live in Hervey Bay, I will be growing beetroot for the first time. I have eaten beetroot only out of the tin, but I have been told that they are nice roasted as well, but the store bought ones have not been satisfying, so I would like to grow my own. Could you tell me which verity is the best for pickling and for roasting please.
Showing 151 - 160 of 368 comments

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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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