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 7°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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

11 Jan 09, Kay (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Beetroot peeled and cut into wedges roasted with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of brown sugar, salt and pepper is delicious hot or cold, fresh chilli can also be added. When grating beetroot for salad rinse well to remove colour before adding other vegetables.
19 Jan 09, Gerry (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Using beetroot 1.good grated raw into coleslaw along with cabbage, carrot and onion etc - when all mooshed up with the dressing it makes an interesting pink colour 2. cut into 2 - 3 cm chunks (scrub them don't peel) and roast for about 30 min at 200C are good hot or let them cool a bit and mix with Horseradish cream for a warm salad
27 Jan 09, ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
when can you ( tell ) beetroot is ready to pick ???
30 Jan 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Ken, when beetroot are about the size of a small golf ball, they should be ready to start using. But you can leave them to grow, just make sure they have plenty of water.
08 Mar 09, Tamera (Australia - temperate climate)
I cooked beetroot only yesterday. I brushed them lightly with olive oil, added salt/pepper and wrapped them in aluminim foil. I cooked them in the oven for 55 minutes on 200 C. When ready I allowed them to cool, peeled and sliced them ready for salad. Beats canned beetroot anyday!
30 Mar 09, Nigel` (Australia - temperate climate)
I am a huge beetroot fan. One tip is to roast them off at around 180 (non fan forced) for as long as it takes for a skewer to easily penetrate them (depends on the size of the beet), tossed with salt, pepper, good olive oil, and balsamic (as per Kay's suggestion). When they are done, use a really sharp mandolin to slice them as thin as possible (you'll see why it needs to be sharp when you do it) so they are almost transparent (carpaccio like). Use some of these as a base for some thinly sliced protein (if you like), with some goats cheese and a pan jus (you can do the reduction in the pan with some shallots, beetroot juice, wine and stock - mix and match to your taste). Finish with some flat leaf parsley and seasoning.
11 Apr 09, Vincent O'Hara (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I want roots to be about2.5 inch diameter. How?
13 Apr 09, Helen Freeth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Something eats the seeds here I have some brilliant beetroot growing but I planted a whole row and there`s only a few left. What is it?
15 Apr 09, Lemvis (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi everyone. Was wondering with forono beetroot, how thinly can i space them in my rows to get maximum yeild?
30 Apr 09, Deboracadbra (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have to strongly agree with all the roasted beetroot folk. A truly devine way to enjoy beetroot, I don't bother peeling them just top and tail them, good splash of quality olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper and you're away. If you do too many like I do, they are fabulous cold in a salad with say goats milk cheese, greens and roasted kumera.....ah delish.
Showing 11 - 20 of 363 comments

Something eats the seeds here I have some brilliant beetroot growing but I planted a whole row and there`s only a few left. What is it?

- Helen Freeth

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