Omari Gates
Beetroot is a popular vegetable in Australia, commonly found in Aussie hamburgers and enjoyed in salads, dips, juices, soups, and roasted meals. They are packed with nutrients and can be eaten fresh, roasted, or pickled. While beetroots can be grown in Australia all year round, they are best grown in the cooler months, from late summer or autumn to spring, avoiding the height of the wet season and peak summer. In this paragraph, we will explore the ideal conditions and timings for growing beetroot in Australia, ensuring a bountiful and tasty harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to grow | Late summer or autumn |
| Preferred temperature | 10°C to 30°C |
| Seed depth | 1cm to 2cm |
| Seed spacing | 5cm to 10cm |
| Row spacing | 30cm to 40cm |
| Germination time | 5 to 14 days |
| Harvest time | 30 to 70 days |
| Soil type | Loose, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of full sun each day |
| Fertiliser | Monthly, low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium |
| Pests | Caterpillars, slugs, snails, whiteflies |
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What You'll Learn
Beetroot can be grown year-round, but avoid extreme weather
Beetroot can be grown year-round in Australia, but it is important to avoid extreme weather conditions. The best time to plant them is during late summer or autumn, after the wet season has passed. Beetroots thrive in cool to warm temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. In cooler regions of Australia, it is advisable to sow the seeds in the warmer months. Conversely, in tropical areas, beetroots can be grown throughout the winter.
When growing beetroot, it is important to choose a suitable location in your garden. Select a spot that receives full sun or partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Beetroots can tolerate growing in the shade of taller crops, making them ideal for inter-planting. Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). It is beneficial to enrich the soil with organic matter, compost, or manure before planting to enhance its nutritional content and promote healthy root development.
To plant beetroot seeds, sow them directly into the prepared soil bed about 1cm to 2cm deep, spacing them 5-10cm apart. Rows should be spaced about 30cm apart. Keep the soil moist but not wet, as this can impact germination and growth. Seeds typically take 5-10 days to germinate at a soil temperature of 10-30°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets, and weather until they are established.
Beetroots usually take 50–70 days to grow from sowing to harvest. Baby beets can be harvested earlier, around 30–40 days, if you prefer smaller and more tender beetroots. Mature beetroots are ready to harvest when they reach the size of a golf ball or tennis ball. Avoid leaving them in the ground for too long, as they can become woody and less flavourful.
To harvest, gently unearth the beetroot and grasp the base of the stems to lift it from the soil. Properly prepare your beetroots for storage to prolong their shelf life. Trim the foliage to about 5cm above the root to prevent bleeding and moisture loss. Store your beetroots in a cool, dry place or wrap them in a paper towel and keep them in the refrigerator.
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Beetroot thrives in cool to warm temperatures
Beetroot can be grown year-round in Australia, but it thrives in cool to warm temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The best time to plant them is in late summer or autumn when the wet season has passed. In regions of Australia with cool climates, sow seeds in the warmer months. On the other hand, beetroots can be grown throughout the winter in tropical areas. Generally, beetroots take 50–70 days to grow from sowing to harvest.
Beetroots prefer a sunny spot in the garden with loose, well-drained soil. They are not too fussy about soil pH but do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Enrich your soil with well-rotted compost or manure before planting. Check that the soil is free from stones, which could hinder root development. Beetroot seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden 15mm deep and 5-10cm apart, with rows 30-40cm apart. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds should germinate in around 5-10 days at a soil temperature of 10-30°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established. Beetroot plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases.
To give plants room to grow, thin seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Pull out any weak or small seedlings so plants are spaced about 5-10cm apart. You can begin to harvest a few outer beetroot leaves around 4-6 weeks after planting. The best time to harvest beetroots for their root or “beets” is when they’re about 3-6cm across - these are often called “baby-beets” and it’s when they’ll be at their sweetest. Beets up to 10cm across are still fine to eat, but they may be less flavourful and more woody.
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Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil
Beetroot plants need a lot of sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. This could be around six hours of full sun each day, and they will tolerate as little as four hours of direct sun per day. Beetroots can be planted in the dappled shade beneath taller-growing crops, so they're great for inter-planting with other longer-term crops.
Beetroots prefer loose, well-drained soil. They are not too fussy about soil pH but do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Before planting, it's a good idea to prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to at least a spade's depth to loosen it, and adding well-rotted compost or manure. You can also add organic matter to the soil to enrich it and lighten heavy soil so that the roots can grow freely. Keep the area free of weeds until you are ready to plant.
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Prepare the soil with organic matter and fertiliser
Beetroots are versatile and can be grown in any type of soil, including heavy clay. However, they thrive in rich, well-drained soil that is full of organic matter like compost and manure.
To prepare the soil for beetroot planting, start by mixing in organic fertiliser, manure, or compost. You can use a product like Scotts Osmocote® Compost Premium Soil Improver. Then, add an application of dolomite or lime before planting for better yields. If you have heavy clay soil, improve its structure with compost and consider putting in some raised beds.
When preparing the soil, remember that beetroots are susceptible to "damping off," a fungal disease that thrives in cold, wet soil. Therefore, ensure your soil is well-drained and avoid planting during the wet season.
In terms of fertiliser, beetroots respond well to fortnightly waterings of organic fertilisers with seaweed, as these contain everything needed for good, healthy roots. You can also use a liquid fertiliser that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium for bulbous development. Apply the fertiliser monthly.
Before planting beetroot seeds, prepare your garden soil or potting mix by mixing in organic matter and fertiliser. If using a pot, ensure it has good drainage so the roots don't become soggy.
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Beetroot seeds are best sown directly into the garden
Beetroot thrives in a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter, compost, or manure. Remove any stones from the soil, as these can hinder root development. Space the seeds 5-10cm apart, with rows 30-40cm apart, and cover with 1-2cm of soil. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. Germination should occur within 5-10 days, with tiny leaves appearing above the soil.
Once the seedlings are 3-5cm tall, thin them out to the strongest ones, leaving 15cm between each seedling. You can replant any extra seedlings in another part of your garden. Water your seedlings regularly, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. After 2-3 weeks, thin the seedlings again if needed. Continue to keep the soil moist, and water deeply when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface.
Beetroot is usually ready to harvest when the roots are 3-6cm across, known as "baby beets". Beetroots up to 10cm across can also be eaten but may be less flavourful and more woody. Harvest by gently loosening the soil around the plant and grasping the base of the stems to lift it out.
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Frequently asked questions
Beetroots can be grown in Australia all year round, but they thrive in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C, so the best time to plant them is late summer or autumn when the wet season has passed. In tropical areas, beetroots can be grown throughout the winter.
Beetroot seeds will take 5-10 days to germinate at a soil temperature of 10-30°C.
Beetroots take 50-70 days to grow from sowing to harvest. Baby beets can be harvested earlier—in around 30-40 days.
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