Beetroot is generally easy to grow, but if your roots are coming up a bit on the small side, a few key factors might be at play.
Timing is crucial- in the subtropics, early autumn and late winter/early spring plantings give the best results. In the tropics, plant in autumn to early winter; in temperate zones, sow from spring to late summer.
Beets don’t like weather extremes, so keep them moist in dry spells and protect from relentless rain with a simple clear plastic cover to avoid disease.
They’re heavy feeders too, so treat them like leafy greens: enrich the soil with compost and aged manure, and feed regularly with blood and bone plus liquid seaweed. Boron is essential — apply it just once after planting (but don’t overdo it!).
Give plants space – about 15-20cm apart — and be patient.
Big, beautiful beets can take 3 – 4 months to develop.
How to grow Beetroot from seed and seedlings
Beetroot is a rewarding, fast-growing root vegetable that’s easy to grow in most Australian climates. Whether you’re sowing seeds directly or starting with seedlings, a few simple techniques will set you up for a bumper crop.
Growing Beetroot from seed
1. Choose the right time to plant
Timing matters.
- Temperate zones: sow from spring to late summer.
- Subtropics: plant in early autumn or late winter to early spring.
- Tropics: Stick to autumn through early winter for the best results.
Beetroot prefers cooler growing conditions and can bolt (go to seed early) if exposed to excessive heat.
2. Prepare the soil
Beetroot needs loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Work in compost, aged manure, and a dusting of blood and bone before planting.
- The ideal soil pH is 6.0-7.5. Avoid acidic soil.
- Remove any large rocks or clumps to ensure roots can expand easily.
3. Soak and sow
- Beet seeds are actually clusters of seeds. Soaking them in water for a few hours before planting can improve germination.
- Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep, spacing them about 8-10 cm apart, in rows 20-30 cm apart.
- Thin to one plant every 15–20 cm once seedlings emerge, as overcrowding leads to small roots.
4. Water consistently
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Uneven watering can cause cracking or woody roots. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Feed regularly
- Beetroot is a moderate to heavy feeder.
- Apply liquid seaweed or fish emulsion fortnightly.
- A single application of boron (e.g., diluted borax) early in the growing season helps prevent black spots and boosts root development, but only use it sparingly. Growing Beetroot from Seedlings
1. Choose healthy seedlings
Look for beetroot seedlings with bright green leaves and no signs of stress. Avoid leggy or root-bound seedlings.
2. Harden them off
If you’ve raised your own seedlings or bought them from a nursery, harden them off by placing them outside for a few days to acclimatise before transplanting.
3. Transplant with care
- Gently separate clusters if needed and plant each seedling 15–20 cm apart.
- Take care not to damage the young roots, as beetroot doesn’t love transplanting.
- Water in well with diluted seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock.
4. Follow up with regular care
Once in the ground, seedlings need the same TLC as seed-grown plants: consistent moisture, sunlight (at least 6 hours a day), and regular feeding.
When to harvest beetroot
Beetroot is ready to harvest in 8–12 weeks, or when roots are about the size of a golf ball to a tennis ball. Don’t leave them too long — oversized roots can become woody.
You can also harvest a few young leaves along the way to use in salads and stir-fries.
Quick Tips for Success
- Choose bolt-resistant varieties if growing in warmer areas.
- Mulch well to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
- Rotate crops to avoid soil-borne disease and nutrient depletion.
