Q&A for How to Grow Beetroot

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  • Question
    Should I mound up soil around beets like you do with potatoes?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    There is no need to mound soil up around beetroot. It naturally pushes above the ground as the root matures.
  • Question
    How long does it take to grow beetroot?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    Beetroot plants can take 50 to 70 days to mature.
  • Question
    Can beetroot survive in a tropical region like Nigeria?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It does well in and around Oyo state. I presently have beetroot growing on my farm in Ibadan.
  • Question
    Do I let beetroot flower?
    Sander1
    Community Answer
    Not if you want to eat the beetroot. The energy stored in the root will go to the flower so that it produces seeds, and the quality will reduce. So unless you want seeds, you shouldn't.
  • Question
    Each time I try to grow beetroot, the leaves are eaten, but I have not managed to figure out what is eating the leaves. What can I do to prevent this?
    Community Answer
    Figure out what is eating the beetroot. It is likely that it is ants. They love to eat the beet leaves. Planting some mint in with the beets discourages the ants and can help keep them out of the garden.
  • Question
    How can one grow beetroot during the rainy season?
    Community Answer
    Soak the seeds for at least 24 hours before planting them.
  • Question
    When can I grow beetroot?
    Community Answer
    It should be planted directly in the garden one month before your last spring frost.
  • Question
    How long should I wait before doing a transplant after sowing the seed?
    Community Answer
    I would wait 20-25 days before transplanting your seed.
  • Question
    How do I make my beetroot soft?
    Community Answer
    Beetroots are crunchy when they are raw and will never be "soft." However, when they are cooked in a pot of water, they do soften to the point where a fork will easily go through the entire beet.
  • Question
    Where can I get the seeds of beetroot?
    Community Answer
    You could go to your local store or nursery and buy them, or you could order them online.
  • Question
    Why would my plant's leaves shrink and die?
    Community Answer
    This could happen because of dehydration, pests or disease. Be sure to water your plant as needed.
  • Question
    The top of my beets came out of the soil and animals chewed on them. Did I need to plant deeper?
    Community Answer
    That is not likely, but perhaps you should surround the area with mesh or netting or cage them in with a wire frame.
  • Question
    Will the beet tops regrow if I leave them in the ground through next spring?
    Community Answer
    Yes; if the root isn't removed, it can still grow.
  • Question
    If the beet top is off, will the beet root keep growing?
    Community Answer
    No, the tops make energy from sunlight. Cut only a few leaves from numerous plants for salads, or if you have a large section of beets, for cooked greens. Otherwise, cut off leaves and stems when you harvest beets and cook them then. Beet greens contain many nutrients which sustain the macula of the retina and prevent macular degeneration and blindness.
  • Question
    Are beets better to grow from seed or seedling?
    Community Answer
    Keep in mind you are growing a root crop and many plants dislike root disturbance, so you probably want to stick with seeds, rather than purchasing seedlings.
  • Question
    How long does it take to germinate a beet?
    Community Answer
    7-15 days for red beets, 10-17 days for golden beets. You can soak the seeds in water to speed up the germination.
  • Question
    How much beetroot leaves and stalk can be eaten?
    Community Answer
    Beet root leaves are very healthy for you. There isn't really a limit. They also taste good.
  • Question
    How long does it take beetroot to mature?
    Community Answer
    Beetroot takes about 50 to 70 days to mature. They can be thinned out to allow the remaining ones to increase in size.
  • Question
    I have five beetroot plants in a 20cm pot. Are they overcrowded?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you have the round variety, they need at least 7cm space between each root. If they have less space, they may not fully mature.
  • Question
    I have plenty of beetroot leaves but no beetroot, why?
    Community Answer
    N-P-K. Nitrogen for growth (green), Phosphates for roots, Potassium as a fertilizer for fruit forming and developing.
  • Question
    Why do my beetroots have huge leaves and small bulbs? Does it have anything to do with the soil nitrogen?
    Community Answer
    Possibly they are getting too much nitrogen. Try to reduce the amount if using a fertilizer. You can still eat the leaves as salad veggies though, so all is not lost.
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