GardenHow to grow beetroot
चुकंदर. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaAugust to November
HillsMarch to July
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 1.5 cm
- Spacing
- Thin to 10 cm apart
- In a pot
- A box or pot 25 to 30 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 7 to 14 days
- Harvest
- 60 to 90 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Each "seed" is a cluster that gives two or three seedlings. Thin them to one when they are a few centimetres tall.
- Soak the seed for a few hours before sowing to speed up sprouting.
- The young leaves are edible too. Take a few outer leaves from each plant and cook them like spinach.
What can go wrong
Small, woody roots come from crowding or from dry soil. Thin early and water regularly.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is beetroot sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for beetroot are September to November.
How long does beetroot take to grow?
Usually 60 to 90 days.
Can beetroot be grown in a pot?
Yes. A box or pot 25 to 30 cm deep.