Beetroot is a popular cool-season vegetable with cylindrical, crisp, firm, and sweet-tasting roots. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B6, potassium, and other minerals that can boost your whole body’s immunity. So why not grow this delicious beetroot at home? Get ready to turn your home into a beetroot paradise. Follow this simple step-by-step growing guide on how to grow or plant beetroot at home. From planting or growing beetroot seeds in pots to caring for them, we will discuss everything.
Information To Grow Beetroot from Seeds
Beetroot, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, is a popular root vegetable for its sweet and earthy flavor. Before knowing how to grow or plant beetroot at home, let’s understand some important information:
- Common Name: Beetroot, Beet, Chukandar, and garden beet
- Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris
- Plant Height: 12 to 18 inches
- Growing Season: Spring, Winter and Autumn
- Germination Temperature: 15-25°C
- Seeds Germination Days: 7-14 days
- Level of Growing: Easy
- Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Harvesting Days: 50-80 days
Essential Tools and Materials To Grow Beetroot from Seeds
Before you start growing beetroot from seeds in pots, gather these gardening tools:
- Beetroot Seeds: Choose high-quality beetroot seeds from a reliable source such as organicbazar.net.
- Containers or Grow Bags: Opt for grow bags with good drainage.
- Potting Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting soil mix enriched with compost.
- Watering Can: Use a watering can or spray bottle for gentle and consistent watering.
- Organic Fertilizer: Choose organic fertilizer for better growth of plants.
- Gardening Tools: Tools such as garden fork, hand gloves, etc.
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Beetroot Ideal Growing Season in India
Beetroot prefers cool weather, making it suitable for growing in winter, spring, and autumn in India. Start planting beetroot seeds from September to February and you will have a beet harvest in just a few months.
Choosing the Right Beetroot Variety
Selecting the right beetroot variety is important, you can choose beetroots based on your taste preferences and the visual appeal you desire. Common varieties include:
- Detroit Dark Red: A classic, deep red beetroot with a sweet flavor.
- Golden Beet: A beautiful yellow variety with a milder taste.
- White Beetroot: A white beetroot with a mild and sweet flavor.
- Chioggia: It has a unique red and white striped interior that is also known as candy cane beet.
(Read More: Best Root Vegetables to Grow in Pots: Simple and Easy Guide…)
Optimal Grow Bag or Pot Sizes For Growing Beetroots
Beetroot does not require a lot of space, so it is suitable for containers. Choose pots or grow bags with a depth of at least 6-12 inches for proper root development. You can choose these best grow bag sizes for sowing beetroot seeds:
(Read More: Best Grow Bags For Vegetables In Home Garden…)
Best Potting Soil For Growing Beetroot At Home
Choosing the right potting soil for growing beetroot from seeds in pots is important for the healthy growth of the plants:
- Well-drained soil: Choose well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.
- Rich in organic matter: Enrich the soil by adding compost.
- pH level: The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5).
Step-by-Step Guide To Grow Beetroot At Home From Seed
- Planting Beetroot Seeds: Sow beetroot seeds directly in pots about 2-3 inches apart and 1/2 (0.5) inch deep in the soil.
- Watering: Water the soil gently with a spray bottle or watering can to avoid disturbing the seeds.
- Light: Place the pot in a sunny spot or provide grow lights if starting indoors.
- Germination: Beetroot seeds typically germinate in 1-2 weeks and the optimum germination temperature is 15-25°C.
(Read More: How To Grow Turnips At Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Success…)
How To Care For Beetroot Plants
After planting or growing beetroot seeds in pots, ensure the health and vitality of your beet plants with proper care:
- Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist, it is best to water beetroot plants once a week or when the soil feels dry.
- Sunlight: Beetroot thrives in 6-8 hours of full sunlight but it can tolerate partial shade.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for growing beetroot is 10-30°C.
- Fertilizer: While planting beetroot, add organic fertilizer like vermicompost, cow manure, or neem cake to the potting soil. Avoid applying fertilizers containing too much nitrogen. Add water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season.
- Common Pests and Diseases: Some insects like flea beetles, leaf hoppers, and Mexican bean beetles attack the plants. Cucumber mosaic virus, leaf spot infects beetroot plants; To avoid these insects and remain free from diseases, use organic pesticide neem oil on plants.
Harvesting Your Beetroots
- Beetroot will be ready for harvest within 50-80 days of planting.
- Harvest your beets when they reach the desired size, usually 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Use a garden fork to gently lift them from the soil, taking care not to damage the roots.
- You can also cut beetroot greens at any time.
Celebrating Your Harvest
Enjoy the fresh and organic beetroots of your labor by including them in your meals. There are many ways to eat beetroot by roasting it, boiling it, or adding it to salad. Share your harvested beetroots with friends and family, spreading the joy of home gardening.
(Read More: Top 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow for First-Time Gardeners…)
We hope you enjoyed our growing guide on how to grow or plant beetroot at home like you. By following these simple steps of planting or growing beetroot seeds in pots, you’ll soon be savoring the delicious taste of your homegrown beetroots. Happy gardening!
