Beetroots in Glasgow
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 without forking.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Beetroot
Planting Calendar
Prepare the Soil
19 Mar – 9 AprWork the bed deeply and rake it to a fine, stone-free tilth around 19th March - 9th April. Avoid fresh manure, which makes roots fork and split.
Sow Seeds
2 Apr – 18 Junevery 3 weeksSow seeds directly in drills around 2nd April - 18th June, to a depth of . Sow a new batch every 21 days if you want a longer harvest, and water the row in well after sowing.
Protect from Pests
16 Apr – 23 AprCover the sown row with insect-proof mesh from 16th April to keep out flea beetles and leaf miner. Seal the edges well so flies cannot get in underneath.
Thin Seedlings
31 May – 14 JunWhen the seedlings are large enough to handle, from 31st May, thin them carefully to leave one strong plant every . Snip the extras at soil level rather than pulling them, to avoid disturbing the roots you are keeping.
Water and Feed
7 Jun – 29 Septevery 2 weeksFrom 7th June through to 29th September, keep the soil evenly moist so the roots stay tender and round. Water during dry spells and give a light feed only if growth looks poor, because overfeeding can make the crop leafy at the expense of the root.
Harvest Roots
19 Jul – 29 OctLift roots from 19th July once they are about golf ball to tennis ball size, or leave them longer for bigger roots. Harvest can continue through 29th October, and roots can stay in the ground for a while in mild weather if the soil drains well.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Beetroot.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Beetroot to consider
Boltardy
A dependable early beetroot with good bolt resistance and smooth roots. Widely grown by UK gardeners for spring and summer sowings.
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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