Beetroot

Introduction

Beetroot is a rewarding root vegetable to grow in the UK, prized for its sweet, earthy flavour and versatility in the kitchen. Both the roots and leaves are edible, and with careful sowing you can enjoy a long harvest season. Quick to mature, beetroot is suitable for direct sowing and thrives in most gardens or containers, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced growers alike.

Types and Timing

Beetroot comes in a range of shapes, colours, and flavours:

• Boltardy: A classic, bolt-resistant variety ideal for beginners.

• Chioggia: Striking red-and-white rings when sliced.

• Golden beetroot: Sweet, golden-yellow roots that don’t stain.

• Cylindra: Long, cylindrical roots, great for slicing.

Timing:

• Sow outdoors from March (under cloches) to July.

• Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous crop.

• Harvest typically begins from May and can continue into October.

Site and Soil Requirements

Beetroot is adaptable but thrives with good preparation:

• Light: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

• Soil: Fertile, light, and well-drained. Avoid stony or freshly manured ground, which can cause misshapen roots.

• pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline.

• Containers: Works well in deep pots or troughs with multi-purpose compost.

Propagation & Planting

• Direct sowing: Sow clusters of seeds 2–3 cm deep in drills 30 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 10 cm apart once established.

• Indoor sowing: Start in modular trays in March for an early crop; plant out when risk of frost has passed.

• Thinning: Each seed cluster produces several seedlings-thin to one strong plant, or leave in place and harvest small baby beets early.

• Succession planting: Sow small amounts regularly through summer for a rolling harvest.

Growing & Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to prevent woody roots.

• Feeding: Beetroot generally doesn’t need extra feeding if soil is fertile, but a light general-purpose fertiliser mid-season can help.

• Weeding: Essential to reduce competition-hand-weed around young plants carefully.

• Mulching: Helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

• Leaf use: Young leaves can be picked sparingly for salads without harming the crop.

Harvest and Post-Harvest

• Timing: Begin lifting when roots are golf-ball sized, around 8–10 weeks after sowing.

• Harvest window: From May for early crops, through to October.

• Method: Gently twist off leaves rather than cutting to avoid bleeding.

• Storage: Store unwashed roots in a cool, dark place. Can last several months in boxes of damp sand or soil.

• Cooking: Roast, boil, pickle, or eat raw in salads. Leaves can be cooked like spinach.

Troubleshooting & Pests

• Bolting: Early sowings can run to seed in fluctuating weather-choose bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Boltardy’.

• Woodiness: Caused by irregular watering or leaving roots too long before harvesting.

• Pests:

  • Leaf miners: Create tunnels in leaves-remove affected leaves.

  • Slugs and snails: Target seedlings; protect with barriers or traps.

• Poor germination: Soil may be too cold-wait until late spring or use cloches.

Tips from Growers / FAQs

• Easiest option: ‘Boltardy’ is the go-to for reliable results.

• Baby beets: For tender roots, harvest when small and sweet.

• Dual-purpose: Grow for both leaves and roots-don’t overlook the tasty greens.

• Winter storage: Lift and store roots before heavy frosts for a steady supply.

• Succession sowing: Avoid a glut by sowing little and often.

Resources & References

• RHS: Grow Your Own Beetroot

• BBC Gardeners’ World: How to Grow Beetroot