How to Sow Beetroot Seeds: Learn Beetroot Farming in 7 Simple Steps

Introduction

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a popular root vegetable known for its deep red color, earthy flavor, and numerous health benefits. It is widely used in cooking to make various dishes such as salads, soups, and pickles. Beetroot is rich in essential nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, and it also supports heart health, improves digestion, and boosts immunity.

Are you planning to grow beetroot? Then read this blog to learn about beetroot farming in 7 simple steps.


Discover A Wide Range Of Beetroot Seeds For All Your Farming Needs. A vast field of freshly tilled soil is shown with long, parallel rows extending towards mountains in the distance under a clear sky. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying tomato seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Beetroot Seeds

Step 1: Climate, Soil and Season for Okra Farming. A cloudy sky with shades of blue and white fills the background. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying okra seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Climate for Beetroot Cultivation

Beetroot grows well in cooler climates, making it ideal for regions with moderate temperatures. While it can grow in warm weather, the best results in terms of color, texture, and sugar content of the roots are achieved under cool conditions. High temperatures can cause undesirable zoning in the roots, characterized by alternating light and dark red rings. Additionally, prolonged exposure to extreme cold (4.5–10°C) for around 15 days may lead to bolting, which affects growth. Beetroot also requires ample sunlight for optimal root development.

Soil for Beetroot Cultivation

Deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils are best for beetroot cultivation. Heavy clayey soils can cause poor germination and crop growth, as they tend to form a soil crust after rain or irrigation, which restricts root development. Heavy soils may also result in misshaped roots. Beetroot is highly sensitive to soil acidity, with the ideal pH range being between 6 and 7.

Season for Beetroot Cultivation

Being a cool-season crop, beetroot is grown during winter in plains and as a spring–summer crop in hilly regions. In the plains, the crop is sown during the months of September to November.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Beetroot Variety

Step 2: Selecting the Right Beetroot Variety. Three freshly harvested beetroots with their vibrant red stems and green leaves are laid out on dark soil, showcasing their roots. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying beetroot seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Various factors such as climate, soil, region, and colour need to be considered while selecting a beetroot variety. For your convenience, a few beetroot varieties are listed below.

Step 3: Procuring Quality Beetroot Seeds

Step 3: Procuring Quality Beetroot Seeds. A mobile phone displays the "DESIKHETI" app interface, showing options for "CROPS" and "Vegetables" including "BEETROOT" and "BITTER GOURD", set against a background of small, brown, irregular beetroot seeds. A circular inset shows a close-up of beetroot seeds. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

For successful beetroot farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can lead to low yields and weak plant health. Looking for the best beetroot seeds? DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium beetroot seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection, place your order online, and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Beetroot Seeds

Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Beetroot Seeds. Hands are shown turning rich, dark brown soil, preparing it for planting. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying beetroot seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Plough the land to a fine tilth and to a depth of 20 cm. Three to five ploughings can be done, followed by harrowing. Level the soil during the final ploughing. Apply around 25 tonnes of FYM per hectare during the final ploughing.


Elevate Your Farming With High-Quality Beetroot Seeds. A lush field of green beetroot leaves with visible purple stems serves as the background. A mobile phone on the left displays the "DESIKHETI" app interface, showing options for "CROPS" and "Vegetables" with icons for various produce. A hand on the right holds another mobile phone displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A prominent "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is centrally located on the image.

Step 5: Sowing Beetroot Seeds

Step 5: Sowing Beetroot Seeds. A person's hands are shown carefully dropping small, brown seeds into a furrow of dark, tilled soil. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying beetroot seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Either ridges and furrows or raised beds can be prepared for sowing the seeds. Ridges and furrows can be made with a gap of 20 to 30 cm. A raised bed of height 15 to 20 cm, width 120 cm, and a convenient length is made. Generally, a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 30 to 40 cm between rows can be followed.

Seeds can be soaked in water for 12 hours before sowing to improve germination. Water-soaked ‘seed balls,’ which contain 2–6 seeds, are drilled 2.5 cm deep in rows at a spacing of 45–60 × 8–10 cm. After sowing beetroot seed balls, thinning is crucial to ensure proper growth.

Step 6: Care After Sowing Beetroot Seeds

Step 6: Care After Sowing Beetroot Seeds. Rows of young beetroot plants with vibrant green leaves and reddish stems grow in tilled soil under a clear blue sky. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying beetroot seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Water Management:

Irrigate immediately after sowing. Keep the soil consistently moist to support seed germination and healthy crop development. In the North Indian plains, beetroot typically requires 5–6 irrigations during summer and 3 irrigations in winter.

Weed Management:

To keep the field weed-free, light hoeing can be done during the early stages of the crop. Manual weeding can be carried out regularly depending on the level of weed infestation.

Earthing up may be done 35 to 40 days after sowing beetroot seeds by covering the  roots with soil to support better development.

Step 7: Harvesting Beetroot

Step 7: Harvesting Beetroot . A person's hands are shown pulling a beetroot with its leafy top from the dark soil. The "DESIKHETI" logo is visible at the top right, along with a circular inset displaying beetroot seeds, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom.

Beetroot is typically harvested when the tubers reach a medium size, with a diameter of 3–5 cm, as these are in high demand. Harvesting is done 8–10 weeks after sowing by gently pulling the tops by hand. The tops are then removed, and the tubers can be graded and marketed.

Enhance Your Crop Yields With High-Quality Beetroot Seeds. A pile of brown, crinkled beetroot seeds forms the background. A mobile phone on the left displays the "DESIKHETI" app interface, showing options for "CROPS" and "Vegetables" with various produce icons. A hand on the right holds another mobile phone displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A prominent "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is centrally located on the image.

Common FAQs Related to Beetroot Seed Sowing

Q. What climate is best for growing beetroot?

A. Beetroot grows best in cool to moderate climates. Optimal growth occurs in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, with better root quality under cooler conditions.

Q. Which soil is best for growing beetroot?

A. Well-drained loam or sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6 and 7, is ideal for beetroot cultivation.

Q. When can beetroot be harvested?

A. Beetroot can be harvested 8 to 10 weeks after sowing, when the roots reach a diameter of 3–5 cm.

Q. What is the scientific name of beetroot?
A. The scientific name of beetroot is Beta vulgaris.


Explore A Diverse Selection Of Beetroot Seeds For Your Farm. A close-up of dark red beetroots with their leafy green and purple tops forms the background. A mobile phone on the left displays the "DESIKHETI" app interface, showing options for "CROPS" and "Vegetables" with icons for various produce. A hand on the right holds another mobile phone displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A prominent "CLICK HERE" button with a right-pointing arrow is centrally located on the image.

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