🔴 Beetroot: Growing Guide
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 5–27 °C (41–81 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 10 cm (3.9 in) apart. Expect 50–70 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Beta vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Category | Root Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–27 °C (41–81 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 50–70 days |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Height | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May, Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct–Nov.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May, Oct.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
Both root and leaves are edible. Varieties: Detroit, Chioggia (striped) and Golden.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Beetroot: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May, Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar, Aug · Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct–Nov.
Beetroot: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Beetroot: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 10 cm (3.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Beetroot: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 50–70 days.
Beetroot: which plants grow well with it?
Onion, Lettuce, Carrot.
Beetroot: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Leaf miner.
Plan your garden
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