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

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27 Feb 23, G (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Thank you for the information.
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23 Sep 22, Joan Ellis (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Thanks! Getting ready to plant in zone 7.
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16 May 22, Hazel (Australia - temperate climate)
I’ve just replanted some baby beetroot seeds after bush turkeys dug out my others…..then noticed that beets are no longer in the ‘to plant’ list! Do they stand any chance of survival? They are in a raised plastic planter…
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17 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They should grow, hill up the soil around the base a bit.
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08 Mar 22, Kelly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it important to store all my seeds in the refridgerator? Can I simply store it in a plastic box out of the sunlight?
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11 Mar 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seeds generally only last a few years so best kept in the fridge. If you are going to use soon - this autumn/winter then in a box out of the sunlight would be ok.
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01 Nov 21, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have had very varied success with growing beetroot. Some will grow quickly and taste so sweet, others in the same garden bed don't even go to seedlings. They are the same seed packet, same variety and same area of garden. Can anyone help. I have tested Ph and they get watered at night every second day if no rain. I am at a loss as to why some do & some don't.
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04 Nov 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I grow beetroot from Mar to harvest late Oct. I grow seedlings and plant out and cover with a shade cloth cover for about 2 weeks. I then fertilise with a watering can to give a good uniform fertilising. If required another fertilising later. Space plants about 125mm apart. Rows about 400mm apart. When they have grown about 150-200mm high I even hill the soil around them a bit to support them. I grow DT BROWN Detroit Red Globe from the Reject shops. I find when I boil them to pickle they don't bleed too much. They flesh is still a deep colour. I water each two days in good free draining soil.
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14 Aug 21, Jill (USA - Zone 9a climate)
what is the best type of beetroot to plant in zone 9a?
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29 Aug 21, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
There is no best type for any region. Just try a variety or two.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 367 comments
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Great recipe for Beetroot.Dice cooked beetroot and put in an oven proof dish with lid. Add equal amount of Goats Cheese and sprinkle with Thyme and black pepper then stir. Put in oven for about thirty minutes. Delicious. We have it at least twice weekly with our main.It goes well and dinner party guests change their opinion about the humble Beetroot

- Helen

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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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