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

28 Nov 08, john mcentee (Australia - temperate climate)
hi new gardner here how do you know when to pick beetroot
28 Nov 08, john mcentee (Australia - temperate climate)
any body got good tips for cooking beetroot
13 Nov 08, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, i'm just wondering if beetroot needs to be prepared in any way before eating?
29 Jul 08, Barbara in Lane Cove (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've had success with "chitting" the beetroot seed - ie" soaking it on a shallow tray between two layers of kitchen paper. You need to keep the paper wet. Keep an eye on them, and you'll see which seeds are sprouting, and just plant those. Has increased my success rate. Also highlights when a batch of seeds is past it (despite what the packet says).
16 Jul 08, Stephen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Beetroot are a form of chard/silverbeet and the leaves are just as tasty. Lightly steam or stir fry. The stalks (if not woody) are great chopped up and used in casseroles.
12 Jan 08, Liz (Australia - tropical climate)
Keep well watered in dry spells or else they get "woody" ie hard.
08 Dec 07, Tim (Unknown climate)
If growing by seed, always plant in two's. beetroot dont always sprout up.
Showing 361 - 367 of 367 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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.