Beetroot Growing Guide
Beetroot, also known as beets, is a popular and easy-to-grow crop, ideal for beginners and suitable for small spaces or containers. It produces sweet, colourful, and nutritious roots packed with vitamins and minerals, which can be harvested from golf-ball to cricket-ball size. The leaves are also edible and can be ornamental, often tinted or veined with red.
This guidance applies to the crop in general. Individual varieties and local conditions can differ.
Planting information
Sow seeds regularly from late February (using bolt-resistant varieties and cloches) or from late March/April through to July outdoors, ensuring soil temperature is at least 7°C. For an early start, sow indoors in modular trays. Soak seeds in warm water for an hour before sowing to aid germination. Sow seeds 2.5cm deep. For outdoor rows, sow seeds 10cm apart in drills with 30cm between rows for single plants, or sow groups of 2-3 seeds 15cm apart for clusters of smaller roots. For container sowing, space seeds 10cm apart. Cover seeds with soil and water if dry. If aiming for larger roots, thin seedlings to 10cm apart once they are about 2.5cm tall; no thinning is needed for small roots. Young beetroot plants grown from modules indoors or bought as plug plants can be planted outdoors once they are at least 5cm tall and well rooted. Harden them off first. For container planting, choose one at least 40cm wide and deep, filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost. Transfer each module carefully to avoid root disturbance. Space single plug plants 10cm apart. If modules contain several plants, plant each clump 15cm apart without splitting. Firm gently and water well.
Harvesting information
Beetroot can be harvested from early summer to mid-autumn, usually within 40-60 days of sowing. Begin harvesting when roots reach golf-ball size, loosening the soil with a hand fork to lift alternate plants. Harvest the remaining roots when no larger than a cricket ball to prevent woodiness. Leaves can be harvested simultaneously with the root, or a few leaves can be taken throughout the growing season, ensuring at least four or five remain on each plant for continued growth.
Storage information
Beetroots sown from June onwards can be harvested in autumn for winter storage. Larger roots store better. Carefully harvest to avoid damage, brush off excess soil, and cut or twist off leaves about 2.5cm from the base. Store roots in a container of dry sand, potting compost, or coir in a cool, dark place like a garage or shed, where they can last for at least a couple of months. In mild climates without risk of soil freezing, late crops can be left in the ground until needed.