How to Grow Beetroot in New Zealand
Thin seedlings early; the thinnings are great in salads. Soak seed overnight to speed germination, and sow through most of the year in Auckland for a steady supply.
When to plant beetroot in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December |
Best beetroot varieties for NZ
- Detroit — The classic round, deep-red maincrop beet; reliable and good for storing. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Bulls Blood — Heirloom with striking dark-red leaves and sweet roots; tops are great in salads. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Boltardy — Bolt-resistant, so good for early spring sowing in cooler spells. (Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
- Cylindra — Long cylindrical roots that give even, uniform slices. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow beetroot
- Space plants about 10cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1.5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 65 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow beetroot near: Lettuce, Onion, Brassicas, Silverbeet.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Leaf miner. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Beetroot plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant beetroot in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy beetroot seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.