Beetroot Growing Guide

Beta vulgaris

Crop Rotation Group

Chenopodiaceae (Beet family) ●

Soil

Rich soil. Well-drained light but deep soil preferred.

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Rarely required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 15cm (5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 20cm (7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Unlike most other root crops, beetroot don’t mind being transplanted, provided the seedlings are small and kept moist during transplanting. They can also be directly seeded where they are to grow. Thin seedlings to at least 10cm apart to grow large roots. They can be left to grow in a group, provided they have enough space to spread.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Each beetroot seed is actually a small cluster of seeds, so space well and may require thinning. Be careful not to damage the beet when weeding. Young leaves are also a colourful addition to salads. Liable to bolt (run to seed) if sown too early, though some varieties are resistant to this. Keep well watered in dry weather to prevent roots splitting