Beetroot is one of the most popular vegetable crops in Ukraine, grown in almost every household. It is undemanding in terms of conditions but requires the right approach to sowing and care. Timely planting, seed selection, and soil preparation all directly affect the quality and quantity of the harvest. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will discuss when it is best to plant beetroot, how to do it correctly, and what conditions to create to obtain sweet, juicy root vegetables.
When to Plant Beetroot: Optimal Sowing Dates
The sowing dates for beetroot depend on the climate zone, variety of the crop, and the intended purpose of cultivation. On average, planting takes place from mid-April to early June.
Main Guidelines:
- The soil temperature should be at least 7–10°C.
- In central Ukraine, the optimal period is from April 15 to May 10.
- For a second sowing or summer harvest, plant in late May to early June.
Do not rush to plant beetroot in cold soil. Too low a temperature delays germination and sometimes causes “bolting”—when the plant forms a flower stalk instead of a root.
Soil Preparation Before Planting
Beetroot thrives best in light, well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction (pH 6.5–7.5). Soil preparation begins in the autumn, with adjustments made in the spring.
Preparation Stages:
- In autumn, add manure or compost (5–6 kg per 1 m²).
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds.
- In spring, add ash (200 g per m²) or a complete mineral fertilizer.
- After processing, mulch the soil to retain moisture.
It is not recommended to plant beetroot in acidic soils—this leads to small harvests and weak plants.
How to Prepare Beetroot Seeds
Beetroot seeds consist of several grains, so it is important to ensure even germination. Before planting, the seeds should be treated.
Seed Preparation Includes:
- Sorting — remove small or damaged seeds.
- Soaking in water — for 12 hours before planting.
- Treatment with growth stimulants — improves germination.
- Drying — seeds should be slightly dried for easier sowing.
It is recommended to use pre-treated or coated seeds, which are already protected from diseases and pests.
Planting Beetroot: The Correct Technique
The planting process is simple but has its nuances. It is important to adhere to the proper sowing depth and spacing between rows.
Planting Includes:
- Depth of furrows: 2–3 cm.
- Row spacing: 25–30 cm.
- Seed spacing: 8–10 cm (you can sow more densely and thin later).
- Cover with soil and lightly compact.
After sowing, water the soil, and if needed, cover with agro fabric to retain heat and moisture.
Care for Beetroot After Germination
After beetroot seedlings emerge, it is important to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Key Care Measures:
- Watering — once a week in dry weather.
- Thinning — when 2–3 true leaves appear.
- Loosening between rows — after rain or watering.
- Fertilizing — every 3–4 weeks after germination with mineral fertilizers.
Avoid letting the soil dry out—beetroot is sensitive to moisture shortage and can experience growth delays.
Best Beetroot Varieties for a Good Harvest
Choosing the right variety is crucial. Modern varieties are high-yielding, disease-resistant, and taste great.
| Variety Name | Maturity Time | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Boltardy | Early | Sweet, stores well until winter |
| Detroit | Medium | Uniform round roots |
| Red Globe | Medium | Juicy, tolerates heat well |
| Egyptian Flat | Early | Flat shape, quick maturation |
| Unsurpassed | Late | Suitable for storage, resistant to rot |
Choose varieties depending on your region, soil conditions, and intended use (canning, storage, fresh consumption).
Common Mistakes When Growing Beetroot
Even experienced gardeners sometimes make mistakes. Avoiding them will ensure a large and tasty harvest.
The Most Common Mistakes:
- Planting in too cold soil.
- Insufficient thinning of seedlings.
- Over-watering.
- Using acidic or heavy soils.
- Ignoring fertilization.
To avoid these issues, plan your planting ahead and follow agricultural recommendations.
Tips for a Rich Harvest
- Plant beetroot after cabbage, onions, or potatoes — these are good predecessors.
- Avoid replanting in the same spot each year.
- Regularly mulch the soil.
- Harvest on time—overripe root vegetables lose their flavor.
Beetroot is an undemanding yet rewarding crop. With proper care and planting, you are guaranteed a good result.
Earlier we wrote about when and how to properly plant carrots in open soil.