Boltardy
A dependable early beetroot with good bolt resistance and smooth roots. Widely grown by UK gardeners for spring and summer sowings.
When to plant Beetroot in Aberdeen
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Grow beetroot in a sunny, open bed with soil that has been worked to a fine tilth. Sow direct from spring through summer, keep the ground evenly moist, and thin plants promptly so the roots can size up evenly.
30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Aberdeen · last frost ≈ 30 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow outdoors | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
02
Sow Seeds
16 Apr to 19 Aug Optional · repeat every 3 weeksSow the corky clusters about apart, in rows apart, deep, around 16th April - 19th August. Sow a fresh batch every 21 days. Water the row in after sowing.
- Rake to a fine tilth. Do not add fresh manure. It makes roots fork.
- A bolt-resistant variety, and fleece or a cloche, helps if the soil is still cold. That is not a second method.
03
Protect from Pests
16 Apr to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, cover the row with fine mesh and seal the edges. Fine mesh reduces beet leaf miner. Keep it on through 28th October, until that batch is lifted.
04
Thin Seedlings
30 Apr to 16 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, once seedlings are about tall, thin to one plant every . One corky seed is a cluster, so several seedlings come up together. Snip extras at soil level. Use the thinnings in the kitchen.
05
Water and Feed
16 Apr to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, keep the soil evenly moist from 16th April through 28th October. Uneven watering splits the roots. Give a light feed only if growth looks poor.
06
Harvest Roots
28 May to 28 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageAfter each sowing, lift roots from 28th May once they are golf-ball size. Cricket-ball size is later, and is good for cooking. Keep lifting through 28th October.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Beetroot to consider
Pablo
A round, uniform beetroot that crops reliably and suits baby beet harvesting. Good for smaller roots and steady pickings.
Chioggia
An attractive striped beetroot with a mild flavour when harvested young. Best picked before the rings fade in larger roots.
Detroit 2
A classic, reliable beetroot for maincrop use. Produces rounded roots with good colour and a solid flavour.
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