How To Grow Beetroot
2011-02-20 at 12:24 pm pshipley
How To Grow Beetroot
Welcome to our guide on How To Grow Beetroot. Growing beetroot is relatively simple and is one of the most popular of vegetables to be grown. Beetroot is a biennial which is grown as an annual and like cool growing conditions, around 16 degrees C. The leaves grow to around 15cm height and spread, and the root swells at ground level to form globular or in some varieties flat or cylindrical roots. The roots themselves can be red, yellow or cream in colour with the flesh being red yellow or white.
Soil For Growing Beetroot
A deep fertile soil which is fairly light with high nitrogen content will be ideal, a pH of 7 is optimal. Add organic matter in the previous season.
Sowing And Growing Beetroot
Beetroot seeds are in actual fact capsules each containing 2 or 3 seeds. This means they need thinning early. Germination will be helped by soaking the seeds in warm water for 30 minutes prior to planting.
For an early crop try sowing outdoors in spring in drills 1 cm deep Using bolt resistant varieties. Planting distances depend on varieties and size of beets you require. Thin as soon as plants have 3 or 4 leaves by nipping off the tops of unwanted seedlings.
Sow in succession for a continuous supply.
Keep weed free and water when dry, to prevent bolting, apply nitrogenous fertiliser during active growth.
Keep an eye out for:-
Blackfly – Small black insects on leaves.
Cutworm – Stems appear chewed and wilting.
Aphid – Insects on leaves and a sticky residue.
Fungal Leaf Spot – Plants die, roots go black.
Birds – Leafs and top of root eaten away.
Harvesting and Storing Beetroot
Knowing how to grow beetroot and growing beetroot is one thing but you also need to know when and how to harvest your beetroot. Beetroot can be harvested during any stage of maturity, which is apx 7-13 weeks. If left in soil protect with straw and be sure to lift before the first frosts. Once lifted twist off leaves, and store in damp sand somewhere out of the frost. Beetroot should keep for 2-3 months. Beetroot can be pickled.
Suggested Beetroot Varieties
Try `Boltardy`(bolt resistant), `Monopoly`, `Bull`s Blood`, `Red Ace` or `Beethoven`.
Thank you for reading our How To Grow Beetroot guide, why not check out our other vegetable growing guides and articles from the menu on the right side of the page. Good luck growing beetroot!