The “Boltardy” variety of beetroot is best if you’re sowing early. White and golden varieties take about half as long to grow and don’t bleed in salads (the downside being they don’t have that beautiful carmine color). Apart from these things, the variety you choose will depend on the look and flavor that appeals to you most. [1] X Research source
If you have the foresight in late autumn or early spring, it’s a good idea to use a general granular fertiliser a few weeks before sowing and rake it into the soil to let the nutrients absorb.
Fill the pot up to the top with loose, multi-purpose compost. The seeds should then be sown thinly across the surface and covered with 2cm (0. 75in) of compost. Then, when the seedlings reach 2 cm (about an inch) in height, remove the weaker of the seedlings to give the vigorous plants room to grow – aim for about 12cm (5 inches) between seeds.
If you have heavy soil, it’s best prepared in late autumn. If it’s lighter, aim for early spring. [2] X Research source If you’re planting in autumn, leave the top of the soil rough so the winter weather can break it down. In the northern hemisphere, sow seeds after the last frost. In the southern hemisphere, sow seeds from September through February.
If you’re succession planting, sow beetroot every 14 days for a continuous harvest. This is an easy alternative to succession harvesting.
That being said, avoid over-watering. This causes beetroot to produce more leaves and less root, risking them “bolting” (flowering and not producing a vegetable). What’s more, under-watering creates woody roots. Once you have sprouts, only water them every 10-14 days in dry spells. [3] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source Other than when the weather is unnaturally dry, normal rainfall should be fine.
Some people recommend a bit more space than 10 cm. If you have the space, you may want to be a bit more generous. [5] X Research source Some people also recommend thinning them out twice – once now and once when they’re a few centimeters taller. This stage is up to you. [6] X Research source
Applying too much nitrogen can cause lots of leafy growth and little root development. If you notice large leaves and smaller roots, reduce fertiliser applications or switch to a fertiliser with lower nitrogen levels.
Generally they’re ready around 8 weeks after sowing, or when the veggie reaches 2. 5cm (1 inch) in diameter. Many people harvest alternately, picking out some of the beetroots now and leaving others to develop to full maturity. This allows the others to grow bigger more quickly. The ones with a diameter of about 7. 5cm (3 inches) usually have the best flavor.
Be aware that this can cause the beetroots to develop a woody texture.
This doesn’t mean you should throw them away, however. The tops can be saved, cooked, and eaten like spinach. Believe it or not, they usually have loads of flavour. [8] X Research source
To do this, take a container and line the bottom with 5 cm (2 inches) of sand. Place in a layer of beets. Then, repeat until the container is full. The sand keeps them from sprouting and keeps their flavours fresh.
