Growing Beetroot, also Beets

Beta vulgaris : Amaranthaceae / the amaranth family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
T T             T T T T
P P P P       P P P P P

(Best months for growing Beetroot in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 7°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Silverbeet (Swiss Chard), Lettuce, Cabbage, Dwarf Beans, Dill, Peas. Strawberries
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Spinach

Your comments and tips

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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It could be that the seed you bought was old. Older seeds tend to take a bit longer to germinate if at all. It could also be that you planted the seed in soil that was too cold and moist, judging by your post being in mid-winter. You could also possibly have planted the seeds too deep. This is normally a very reliable seed.
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02 Mar 16, Mr. Mmusetsi Chesa Monaise (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
which ferterlizer is good for beetroot
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13 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Needs little nitrogen. Too much will lead to excessive foliage at the expense of root development. As long as you've given the soil a boost with blood and bone before planting, they should have enough phosphorous for healthy root growth.
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14 Feb 16, jackie.fick (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
could I plant beetroot in same land that garlic had fusarium rot
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would not advise it. You're better off sterilizing the soil as many plants are susceptible to fusarium root rot.
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24 Jul 15, Laetus (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am struggling with a seed that bought in senves agricultural coporation. The seed is forthook spinach,it does not germinate. What could be the problem?
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22 Oct 14, Amanda (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can l plant beet (not seeds) that have grown roots?
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26 Feb 16, hennie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
beetroot don't like transplanting , it is not advisable
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24 Oct 13, Olebogeng gaelejwe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
How much yield can be eexpected per ha
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17 Mar 16, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
The recommendation is to sow 7-9kgs of seed per hectare. That's a lot of beetroot.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 25 comments
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If growing by seed, always plant in two's. beetroot dont always sprout up.

- Tim

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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