Growing beetroot is a practical choice for allotments of all sizes, as their seeds can be sown directly into the soil. Growing beetroot in the UK is generally straightforward, with plants producing steady crops that can be harvested through the season and stored for the winter.
There are several varieties to choose from, including round and cylinder-shaped ones, with colours ranging from dark red to lighter shades like white.
Beetroot does not require much space, which makes it suitable for smaller pots and raised beds. It is also a valuable crop if you’re new to the allotment, as its plants establish quickly and are easy to manage.
For anyone interested in growing beetroot in the UK, this crop also provides nutritional value, including antioxidants, potassium, folic acid and carbohydrates.
Want to learn how to grow beetroot? Read our complete guide and sign up to the Allotment Online platform to access advice and support from our grower community.
Before you learn when to plant beetroot, it’s essential to understand the different varieties of beets that are available.
The time of year and local conditions play a significant role in determining when you should plant beetroots. Seeds can be sown from March through to July, with crops ready to harvest between June and October.
When growing beetroot in the UK, gardeners in northern areas prefer to start sowing beetroot seeds indoors in modular trays using peat-free seed compost. Direct sowing outdoors is usually suitable once the ground has fully defrosted.
You can sow bolt-resistant varieties from late February. However, it must be kept warm at night with horticulture fleece or cloches.
To harvest beetroot, loosen the soil around the plant using a hand-held fork and lift each root gently to avoid damage. As the beetroot grows, you can remove some plants to create space if needed.
Knowing when to pick beetroot depends on how and when the seeds were sown. Your crop will likely be ready for harvesting when it reaches a golf ball to cricket ball size, with harvesting possible from early summer through to late autumn.
Typically, you can begin harvesting beetroot after 7 weeks from sowing. Most roots will be ready within 10 to 12 weeks.
You can consume beetroot in multiple ways, from eating raw to roasting or mashing it. It is also easy to store, but preparation can be messy. Boil the roots for about 30 minutes and place them in ice-cold water. Once they have cooled enough to handle, you can easily peel away the skins with your fingers.
Trim the ends before storage. You can freeze whole or sliced beetroot, and it can also be pickled. The leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
You may also be interested in our Borscht Soup recipe.
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