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

21 Jul 15, Heidi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I couldn't grow it for years, though I kept trying because sometimes it seemed like I was achieving some improvement. Then I went through a period of getting the foodscraps from a shop and feeding them to the chickens, though most ended up being dug under the soil. The soil was teeming with worms all the time. Within a year, I was growing good beetroot. I think the amount of organic matter made the difference. Now I'm not getting the foodscraps anymore, and my beetroot is average. I'd suggest digging your food scraps under the soil and letting it compost there rather than in a pile or bin, and see if that helps. I'd love to hear whether it does.
12 May 14, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same problem. I have persevered over the years and have only been able to grow a half decent crop a couple of times. I don't over feed them as I think that would make for more leafy growth. I do mix compost in my garden soil. My daughter has success with her beetroot and she uses virtually the same soil mixture and only lives around the corner so it's not different climates
30 Oct 10, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
try roasting them along with other "usual" vegetables, brush clean - leaves roots and top on (take off most of the stalks)
05 Jul 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The plants from a nursery are usually ready to plant out but you might need to harden them off a bit first. To do that, put the pots or punnets outside during the day and then put them under cover or close to the house, at night. Do that for about a week. That should help the seedlings adjust to temperature changes.
16 Apr 10, Anna (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
At my local farmer's market a person sells dried beetroot which is delish. I'd like to use it for cooking preferably biscuits. Anyone seen anything on this plse, or suggestions?
15 Mar 10, Raj (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Liked your coloure coded time table for planting. Is it possible to replant the bulbs similar to using potatoes to grow fresh plants? Thanks
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.
Showing 21 - 27 of 27 comments

I could hazard a guess that your compost contained too much nitrogen. Anything with bulbs or roots doesnt respons well to nitrogen. Maybe add a little lime to bring it to the correct PH. Google says: Beetroot prefer a soil pH of 5.8-7.0 but can tolerate a pH of up to 7.6. Acid soils are likely to create nutrient deficiency problems and should be avoided or limed to raise the pH.

- Jean Beardsall

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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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