How to Grow Beetroot: Tips, Facts, and Information

Beetroot is a versatile, nutrient-dense vegetable known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color. Both the roots and the leafy tops are edible, making it a fantastic dual-purpose crop. Whether roasted, boiled, or pickled, beetroot is a delicious addition to many dishes, and the leaves can be used in salads or sautéed. It’s easy to grow, tolerates a variety of soil types, and can be sown in both spring and fall for a continuous harvest. Here’s your guide to the top 20 beetroot varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Beetroot Varieties to Grow

1. Boltardy

Tips: Boltardy is bolt-resistant, meaning it can be planted early in spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Facts: This popular variety produces smooth, round roots with a deep red color and sweet flavor. It’s ideal for early sowing and reliable harvests.

2. Golden Beetroot

Tips: Golden beetroot grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in spring for summer harvests.
Facts: This variety has vibrant golden-yellow flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. It doesn’t bleed like red beets, making it perfect for salads and roasting.

3. Chioggia

Tips: Chioggia thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety is known for its striking pink and white concentric rings. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is perfect for raw or cooked dishes.

4. Cylindra

Tips: Cylindra beetroot prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring or late summer for continuous harvests.
Facts: This elongated variety is easy to slice and has a sweet, tender flavor. Its uniform shape makes it perfect for pickling and roasting.

5. Detroit Dark Red

Tips: Detroit Dark Red thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for the best yields.
Facts: This classic heirloom variety produces deep red roots with a sweet, earthy flavor. It’s perfect for boiling, roasting, or pickling.

6. Burpee’s Golden

Tips: Burpee’s Golden grows well in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Facts: Known for its bright yellow roots, Burpee’s Golden has a mild, sweet flavor and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

7. Albino Beetroot

Tips: Albino beetroot grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This unusual white beetroot has a mild, sweet flavor and doesn’t stain like red varieties. It’s ideal for fresh eating, salads, and soups.

8. Touchstone Gold

Tips: Touchstone Gold prefers full sun and fertile soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for the best results.
Facts: This golden beet variety produces vibrant, yellow-orange roots with a sweet flavor and tender texture. It’s perfect for roasting, steaming, or raw dishes.

9. Avalanche

Tips: Avalanche beetroot grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently and plant in spring for a continuous harvest.
Facts: This white variety has a sweet, mild flavor and doesn’t bleed like red beets. It’s great for salads, pickling, and roasting.

10. Pablo

Tips: Pablo thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest, or late summer for a fall crop.
Facts: This variety produces smooth, round roots with a deep red color and tender texture. Pablo is perfect for boiling, roasting, or making beetroot chips.

11. Red Ace

Tips: Red Ace beetroot prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for continuous yields.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces uniform, smooth roots with a deep red color. It has a sweet, mild flavor and is perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or juicing.

12. Moneta

Tips: Moneta grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This bolt-resistant variety produces round, dark red roots with a sweet, earthy flavor. Moneta is ideal for boiling, roasting, or making beetroot salads.

13. Kestrel

Tips: Kestrel beetroot thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: Kestrel is a high-yielding variety with smooth, dark red roots and a tender texture. It has a sweet flavor, perfect for salads, roasting, or pickling.

14. Forono

Tips: Forono grows best in full sun and rich, moist soil. Sow seeds in spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This cylindrical variety produces long, dark red roots with a sweet flavor. Forono is great for slicing and ideal for pickling or roasting.

15. Formanova

Tips: Formanova prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and plant seeds in spring or late summer.
Facts: This cylindrical beetroot is easy to slice and has a sweet, mild flavor. It’s ideal for canning, roasting, or fresh salads.

16. Action

Tips: Action beetroot grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring and water regularly.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces smooth, round roots with a deep red color and sweet flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, pickling, or cooking.

17. Solo

Tips: Solo thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring or late summer for continuous yields.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its uniform roots and tender, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for salads, soups, or roasting.

18. Chioggia Guardsmark

Tips: Chioggia Guardsmark grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for summer harvests.
Facts: This improved version of the traditional Chioggia beet has more defined red and white rings and a sweeter flavor. It’s great for raw dishes or roasting.

19. Boldor

Tips: Boldor beetroot prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for a vibrant summer harvest.
Facts: Boldor is a golden beet variety with bright orange flesh and a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for adding color to salads or roasting.

20. Moulin Rouge

Tips: Moulin Rouge grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety produces smooth, dark red roots with a sweet, earthy flavor and tender texture. It’s ideal for boiling, roasting, or pickling.

Common Questions About Growing Beetroot

Q: When should I plant beetroot?
A: Beetroot can be planted in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to about 50°F (10°C). In cooler climates, it can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. Beetroot thrives in cool weather, so avoid planting during the hottest months.

Q: Can I grow beetroot in containers?
A: Yes, beetroot can be grown in containers as long as the pot is at least 12 inches deep. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix, and ensure the container has good drainage. Place it in a sunny spot and water regularly.

Q: How long does beetroot take to grow?
A: Beetroot typically takes 50-70 days to mature, depending on the variety. Some early varieties may be ready in as little as 40 days, while others take longer. You can start harvesting young beets earlier for tender baby beets.

Q: How do I know when beetroot is ready to harvest?
A: Beetroot is ready to harvest when the roots are about the size of a golf ball (for baby beets) or larger, depending on your preference. The tops of the beets should be visible above the soil, and the leaves may begin to wilt slightly as the roots mature.

Q: How do I store beetroot after harvesting?
A: After harvesting, cut off the leaves about 1 inch above the root. Store beets in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, where they can last for several weeks. For long-term storage, beets can also be pickled or frozen.