Beetroot When to sow and plant When to sow beetroot
Beetroot seed sits and waits in cold soil. Warm ground matters more than the date on the calendar.
In short
The RHS sows beetroot outdoors from late March or April through to July, once the soil reaches at least 7 °C. You can start from late February with a bolt-resistant variety. Sow small batches every few weeks for a long harvest, from early summer to mid-autumn.
Beetroot: what to do and when
Under cover and outdoors, for UK conditions. The weather differs from year to year and from north to south, so check your local conditions too.
Cheat sheet: sowing beetroot
| What | Advice |
|---|---|
| Main sowing | Outdoors from late March or April to July (RHS) |
| Soil temperature | At least 7 °C (RHS) |
| Earliest sowing | From late February, with a bolt-resistant variety (RHS) |
| Sowing | Drills 2.5 cm deep, rows 30 cm apart, single seeds 10 cm apart or groups of two or three 15 cm apart (RHS) |
| In modules | One seed cluster per module, 2.5 cm deep. For clumps of small roots, up to four seeds per module, planted out as clumps 15 cm apart (RHS) |
| Succession | Short rows every few weeks (RHS) |
| Harvest | Golf ball to cricket ball size, best at 4–7 cm across (RHS) |
How to do it
- Wait until the soil reaches at least 7 °C, the RHS says. If you sow in early spring, especially on heavy clay, warm the ground first for a couple of weeks with cloches.
- Choose a sunny site with fertile soil that drains well and does not become waterlogged. Weed thoroughly and add plenty of organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted manure.
- Sow in drills 2.5 cm deep, with 30 cm between rows. Sow the seeds singly 10 cm apart, or two or three together with the groups 15 cm apart. Beetroot seed can be slow to germinate, so the RHS soaks it in warm water for an hour first.
- For early sowings, choose a bolt-resistant variety and cover the row with biodegradable fleece or cloches.
- Early sowings can be made indoors in modules, especially in colder areas. The RHS sows one seed cluster in the centre of each module, 2.5 cm deep. For clumps of small roots, sow up to four seeds per module and do not thin them. Plant out once they are at least 5 cm tall and well rooted, without splitting the clumps, each clump 15 cm apart.
- Sow short rows every few weeks until July, so the harvest lasts longer.
- Pull the roots from golf ball to cricket ball size. For the best flavour and texture, the RHS picks them at 4–7 cm across.
Common questions
When can I sow beetroot outside?
From late March or April through to July, the RHS says, once the soil reaches at least 7 °C. Garden Organic lists early beetroot varieties among its outdoor sowings for March.
Can I sow beetroot in February?
The RHS says you can sow from late February if you choose a bolt-resistant variety, because early sowings are otherwise prone to bolting. Cover the row with fleece or cloches to help germination.
What is the latest I can sow beetroot?
The RHS sows outdoors through to July. Garden Organic still lists early and maincrop beetroot among its outdoor sowings for June.
Why does beetroot bolt?
The RHS says beetroot may bolt in hot, dry weather or if sown in very cool conditions. Bolt-resistant varieties are a good option for early sowings.
Do I need to thin beetroot?
Not if you want small roots about the size of a golf ball, the RHS says. For larger roots, up to cricket ball size, thin the seedlings to 10 cm apart once they are about 2.5 cm tall. You can add the thinnings to salads.
How long does beetroot take to grow?
The RHS says beetroot can be ready in as little as 40 days, though usually 50 to 60. Harvest from early summer through to mid-autumn.
Sources
We wrote this page using the sources below.
- How to grow beetroot, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
- What to sow and plant in March, Garden Organic
- What to sow and plant in June, Garden Organic