Beetroot is an easy, colourful root crop for beds, containers and allotments, available in globe, cylindrical and golden forms. It grows quickly in fertile soil and offers young leaves as well as roots. 'Boltardy' is particularly useful for early sowings because it resists premature flowering.

When and how to sow

Sow direct from April to July in shallow drills in a sunny, moisture-retentive bed. Early sowings in colder areas benefit from fleece or a cloche until weather settles. Each knobbly seed cluster produces several seedlings, so thin carefully as they grow. Make short sowings every few weeks for continuity. Choose 'Boltardy' for the first sowings and water the drill before sowing.

Care

Keep soil evenly moist, particularly in dry spells, so roots swell steadily without becoming tough. Thin seedlings to give each root room, using tender thinnings as leaves. Weed carefully, as beetroot roots sit close to the surface. Soil enriched with garden compost before sowing is usually sufficient; avoid fresh manure, which can encourage forked roots.

Common problems

Birds may pull up seedlings, while leaf miner creates pale tunnels in leaves. Cover young crops with fleece where either is troublesome and remove damaged foliage. Cold checks or drought can trigger bolting, especially in early sowings. Keep moisture steady, protect early plants and choose a bolt-resistant variety for the first drill.

Harvest

Pull roots young, from golf-ball size to roughly tennis-ball size, when they are sweetest and most tender. Lift gently to avoid damaging neighbouring plants. Twist off the tops rather than cutting into the root, leaving a short stalk. Use fresh leaves promptly, and store sound roots cool after removing loose soil.

Growing Beetroot: frequently asked questions

When should I sow beetroot in the UK?

Sow direct from April to July in shallow drills in a sunny, moisture-retentive bed.

What are common problems when growing beetroot?

Birds may pull up seedlings, while leaf miner creates pale tunnels in leaves.

When is beetroot ready to harvest?

Pull roots young, from golf-ball size to roughly tennis-ball size, when they are sweetest and most tender.

General guidance for UK home gardens and allotments. Reference figures are typical values; your exact timing depends on your region, last-frost date and variety. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.