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          

(Best months for growing Beetroot in USA - Zone 5a 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

18 Aug 10, Mick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Foam boxes are great - make sure you allow enough space for the beets to grow (deep and wide!)
05 Jul 10, Ray South (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Belinda, I like most of Jackie French's books. They're easy to read and full of info. Something like Backyard Self-sufficiency or Organic Gardening. However, I'd start with my local library. Find a book that looks like it might do and borrow it. Only borrow one so that you can get familiar with it. Also, if it's your first veggie garden, go with easy things to grow. If you have a local gardening club, particularly something along the lines of BOGI (Brisbane Organic Growers Inc.), join up and pick their brains. There's nothing like homegrown. Good luck.
05 Jul 10, Belinda Welland (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On your site it says to sow at a particular time, and I am assuming that is for seeds. Is there any difference if I am going to use seedlings from the nursery? Can you recommend a book or website where I can learn about growing my first vegetable garden, the dos and do nots etc? Thanks
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.
21 May 10, Brenton (Australia - temperate climate)
Can beetroot have any other colour,saw TV program they used yellow&white beetroot in the salad
24 May 10, Debra (Australia - temperate climate)
Both Diggers and New Gippsland Seeds have golden, white, red and white beetroots - taste just like regular beetroot, maybe a bit milder or sweeter according the the type. the white ones are great for pickling and putting in sandwiches - if they drip, no stains.
16 Apr 10, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
@anna, I would slice the beetroot thinly and put them in a low oven (120C) until dry enough - or use a dehydrator
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?
21 Mar 10, brian slane (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thank you Lisa (Australia)
15 Mar 10, Rob (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Early spring I planted Rainbow Beets. Wonderful. I got white, red, yellow and varying combinations of coloured ringed beets. They look great in the pickling jar and taste just as good
Showing 311 - 320 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. Gardenate 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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