Growing Beetroot in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Beetroot is a versatile root vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it perfect for autumn planting. Known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color, beetroot can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups, and even as a natural food dye. Planting beetroot in autumn allows it to develop its flavor slowly, and with proper care, you can enjoy fresh beets well into winter. Here’s everything you need to know about growing beetroot in autumn, from planting to care and harvesting.

Why Grow Beetroot in Autumn?

Autumn is an ideal season for beetroot as the cooler temperatures enhance its flavor and prevent it from becoming woody or tough. Beetroot thrives in cool weather, and a light frost can actually improve its sweetness by converting starches into sugars. By planting in autumn, you can enjoy fresh beetroot through the cooler months, either harvested young or left to mature for a more robust flavor.

Best Varieties of Beetroot for Autumn Planting

Choosing the right variety of beetroot can enhance your autumn harvest. Here are some top choices for autumn planting:

Detroit Dark Red: A popular heirloom variety with deep red roots and a sweet, earthy flavor. It matures quickly, making it ideal for autumn planting.
Boltardy: Known for its bolt-resistance, Boltardy is perfect for cooler climates and produces smooth, round roots with a sweet flavor.
Golden Beet: This yellow variety has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and doesn’t stain as much as red beetroot. It’s perfect for adding color to salads.
Chioggia: Also known as Candy Stripe, Chioggia has pink and white rings inside and a mild, sweet flavor. It adds visual appeal and works well in autumn gardens.
Cylindra: This long, cylindrical beetroot variety is easy to slice and ideal for pickling. It produces uniform, tender roots and grows well in cool conditions.

Steps for Planting Beetroot in Autumn

Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Location
Beetroot grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot and promote healthy root development.
Prepare the Soil
Beetroot prefers loose, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0). Before planting, work compost or aged manure into the soil to add nutrients and improve texture.
Sow Seeds Directly
Beetroot doesn’t transplant well, so it’s best to sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 2–4 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Beetroot seeds are actually clusters of multiple seeds, so you may need to thin them later.
Water Well
After planting, water the soil thoroughly to ensure seeds germinate evenly. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Caring for Beetroot Through Autumn

Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 4–6 inches apart to allow enough space for each root to develop. You can use the thinned seedlings as baby greens in salads.
Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds. Mulching also protects roots as temperatures drop.
Watering: Beetroot needs regular, even moisture to develop tender roots. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also avoid overwatering, as beetroot roots can rot in soggy soil.
Fertilize Sparingly: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost once or twice during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote leaf growth over root development.

Harvesting Beetroot

Beetroot is usually ready to harvest 50–70 days after planting, depending on the variety. You can harvest beets at various stages for different uses.

Harvesting Baby Beets
For tender, young beets, harvest when they reach about 1–2 inches in diameter. Baby beets are ideal for salads and roasting.
Harvesting Mature Beets
For larger roots, wait until the beets reach 3–4 inches in diameter. Use a garden fork to gently lift them from the soil, being careful not to damage the roots.
Harvesting Beet Greens
Beet greens are edible and can be harvested as the roots grow. Take only a few leaves per plant to ensure the root continues to develop.

Storage Tips

Beetroot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, remove the greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached to prevent bleeding. Store beetroots in a cool, dark place like a root cellar, or freeze or pickle them for preservation.