How to Grow Beetroot in Australia

Soil prep, planting times, varieties, and harvesting tips for every Australian region

Beetroot is one of the easiest root vegetables to grow in Australian gardens. It handles a wide range of climates, produces food quickly (8 to 12 weeks), and gives you two crops in one: the roots and the leaves. The leaves are packed with iron and taste similar to silverbeet. The roots store well for months.

Beetroot (also called beets in the US) grows year-round in many parts of Australia with some timing adjustments for your region. The main things that trip people up are the cluster seeds, inconsistent watering, and leaving the roots in the ground too long. All of these are easy to fix.

When to Plant Beetroot in Your Region

Beetroot seeds germinate in soil temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. The sweet spot is 15 to 25 degrees. Beetroot bolts (goes to seed without forming a proper root) when exposed to prolonged cold below 10 degrees, followed by warming weather. This makes timing important.

In subtropical regions like South East Queensland, beetroot grows best from March through August when temperatures are mild. In temperate regions like Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, the window is broader, running from August through to April. Cooler regions like Hobart can sow from September through March. Perth's Mediterranean climate suits beetroot from March through to October.

Regional Planting Calendar

Soil Preparation

Beetroot is less fussy about soil than carrots, but good preparation still makes a difference. The roots grow mostly in the top 15 to 20 cm of soil, so you don't need to dig as deeply as you would for long-rooted vegetables.

Aim for loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Beetroot is sensitive to acidic soil. If your soil is below pH 6, add garden lime a few weeks before planting.

For in-ground beds: Work in plenty of aged compost to a depth of 20 cm. Remove stones and break up any clumps. Avoid fresh manure, which causes excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.

For raised beds and containers: A quality veggie mix works well. Beetroot does fine in containers at least 20 cm deep. Round varieties like Detroit Dark Red are better for pots than long cylindrical types.

Direct Sowing vs Seedlings

Beetroot can be direct sown or transplanted as seedlings. Direct sowing is the most common method, and it works well because beetroot germinates reliably in 7 to 14 days.

Direct sowing

1. Sow seeds 2 cm deep in rows 25 to 30 cm apart, spacing seeds 5 cm along the row.
2. Water in gently and keep the soil moist until germination.
3. Expect clusters. Each beetroot "seed" is actually a dried fruit containing 2 to 4 true seeds. Multiple seedlings will sprout from each one. This is normal and not a sign of over-sowing.

Transplanting seedlings

Beetroot seedlings transplant better than most root vegetables. Punnet-raised seedlings from nurseries can be planted out when they have 3 to 4 true leaves. Handle the roots carefully and don't let them dry out during planting. Water in well and shade for a few days in warm weather.

Thinning Beetroot Seedlings

Thinning is the most important step that new growers skip. Because each seed cluster produces multiple plants, you will always need to thin.

Thin when seedlings are 5 cm tall. Leave the strongest plant in each cluster and remove the rest. Final spacing should be 8 to 10 cm between plants. Closer spacing produces smaller roots (fine for baby beets). Wider spacing produces larger roots.

Snip, don't pull. Cut the unwanted seedlings at soil level with scissors. Pulling them out disturbs the roots of the seedling you want to keep. The thinnings are edible. Add them to salads.

Watering

Consistent watering is the single biggest factor in beetroot quality. Irregular watering causes woody rings inside the root, cracking, and poor flavour.

• Water deeply 2 to 3 times per week in warm weather.
• Reduce to once a week in cooler months.
• Mulch around plants with sugar cane mulch or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Avoid overhead watering where possible. Drip irrigation or watering at the base reduces leaf disease.

Beetroot that dries out and is then heavily watered will crack. The root expands faster than the skin can stretch. Steady, even moisture prevents this.

Feeding

Beetroot is a moderate feeder. Work compost into the soil before planting and apply a balanced organic fertiliser (one that isn't too high in nitrogen) at 4 weeks. Too much nitrogen pushes leaf growth and produces small, poorly shaped roots. A side dressing of potash at 6 weeks encourages root development.

Beetroot Varieties for Australia

Common Problems

Woody or tough roots

The most common complaint. Caused by leaving beetroot in the ground too long, inconsistent watering, or growing during extreme heat. Harvest when roots are 5 to 7 cm in diameter. Larger is not better with beetroot.

Bolting (going to seed)

Beetroot bolts when young plants experience prolonged cold (below 10 degrees for several weeks) followed by warming temperatures. The plant interprets this as winter passing into spring and switches to seed production. Avoid very early sowings in cold regions. Bolt-resistant varieties help.

Small or misshapen roots

Usually caused by overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or too much nitrogen. Thin properly, prepare the soil with compost, and use a balanced fertiliser.

Leaf spots and downy mildew

Fungal diseases that appear as spots or grey fuzz on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves. Healthy, well-fed plants resist these diseases better.

Corky patches inside the root

A sign of boron deficiency. More common in sandy soils. Apply borax solution before planting (see soil prep section above).

Companion Planting

Beetroot grows well alongside many common garden plants. Good companions include:

• Lettuce and spinach (shallow roots don't compete with beetroot)
• Spring onions and garlic (help deter pests)
• Bush beans (fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting nearby crops)
• Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale share similar growing conditions)

Avoid planting beetroot near tall-growing plants like corn or staked tomatoes that will shade the bed. Beetroot needs full sun for the best root development.

Harvesting Beetroot

Beetroot is ready to harvest 8 to 12 weeks after sowing. You can start pulling baby beets from 7 weeks if the tops of the roots are visible at the soil surface and are at least golf-ball size.

The ideal harvest size is 5 to 7 cm in diameter. Larger roots (beyond 8 to 10 cm) often become woody and lose sweetness. Don't leave them in the ground waiting for them to get bigger. Pull them at the right size for the best eating quality.

How to harvest: Loosen the soil beside the root with a fork, then pull gently. Twist off the leaves about 3 cm above the root. Don't cut too close to the crown or the root will bleed during cooking and lose colour.

Storage

Fresh beetroot stores well. Unwashed roots with the tops removed keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 months. For longer storage, layer them in damp sand in a cool, dark place.

Beetroot also preserves well by:

• Pickling: The classic method. Cooked, sliced, and stored in vinegar. Keeps for 12 months.
• Freezing: Cook first, then peel, slice, and freeze. Raw beetroot doesn't freeze well.
• Roasting and freezing: Roast whole, cool, peel, and freeze in portions. Ready to add to salads straight from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

See also: Beetroot in the Plant Library

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