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

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?
11 Apr 09, Vincent O'Hara (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I want roots to be about2.5 inch diameter. How?
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.
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 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.
27 Jan 09, ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
when can you ( tell ) beetroot is ready to pick ???
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
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.
15 Dec 08, mark (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
re:john mcentee,cooking beetroot..boil till they slide off big fork when poked,drain,peel(skin comes off easy when hot),slice or leave whole,bottle in sterilised jars (with airtight lid,must be airtight) and cover with secret ingredient then seal.....(SECRET INGREDIENT-in 2 litre jug dissolve 1 cup of white sugar with 2 cups of boiling water then fill with combination of half brown vinegar,half cold water,pour this in bottles untill it covers beetroot,may have to shake bottle whilst filling..goodluck)
01 Dec 08, Cath (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Beetroots are very versatile and eaten raw or cooked. Grate like carrots and add to salads, boil like a potato, bake in the oven like a potato (cooks faster), use in soups, make dips. Nice with cumin and coriander.
Showing 351 - 360 of 368 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Beetroot

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.