How to grow beetroot
Overview
Beetroot is a root vegetable grown for its nutritious, sweet roots and edible leaves. It requires steady moisture and well-drained soil for best flavour and shape. Direct sowing is recommended to avoid root disturbance.
Varieties
- Detroit Dark Red — Classic, reliable red beet with smooth skin and sweet flavour.
- Burpee's Golden — Yellow-fleshed, mild and sweet, doesn't bleed when cut.
- Chioggia — Candy-striped interior, sweet flavour, excellent raw.
- Bull's Blood — Deep red leaves, ideal for baby leaf harvest and ornamental appeal.
- Cylindra — Cylindrical shape for uniform slices, great for pickling.
Soil Preparation
Prefers loose, fertile loam with pH 6.0–7.0. Remove stones to prevent forked roots. Incorporate well-rotted compost before planting.
Growing Guide
Sow seeds 2 cm deep directly into prepared soil, 5 cm apart, and thin to 10 cm. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Full sun is essential for good root development. Mulch to retain moisture and maintain even growth.
Sowing
Soak seeds in water for 1 hour before sowing to improve germination. Sow directly in garden, as transplanting disturbs roots. Germinates in 5–10 days at 10–20°C.
Care
Apply a potassium-rich fertiliser (like tomato feed) every 3–4 weeks. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth at expense of roots. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Good neighbours include onions, lettuce, and brassicas. Avoid planting near runner beans or chard as they compete for nutrients or attract similar pests.
Common Pests & Risks
Watch for leaf miners creating tunnels in leaves – remove affected leaves. Aphids can be hosed off. Fungal leaf spots occur in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting
Harvest when roots are 5–8 cm in diameter, usually 8–12 weeks after sowing. Gently loosen soil and pull by the tops; twist leaves off to prevent bleeding during storage.
In the Kitchen
Roast, boil, or grate raw for salads. Leaves are edible, use like spinach. Store roots in a cool, dark place for months.
Troubleshooting
Split roots: caused by uneven watering. Forked roots: stones or compacted soil. Leaf miners: remove affected leaves. Poor germination: seeds too old or dry conditions. Superfluous leaf growth: too much nitrogen.