UK sowing calendar
When to sow beetroot in the UK
Beetroot sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Mar (modules, optional) |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-Jul |
| Harvest | Jun-Oct |
Best direct sown once soil reaches ~7C, from late Mar to Jul; late Feb sowings are possible under fleece/cloches but only with a bolt-resistant variety like 'Boltardy'. Can also be module-sown indoors in Feb-Mar for an earlier start, as beetroot transplants well.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for beetroot.
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When to sow beetroot in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow beetroot in the UK?
Sow beetroot under cover Feb-Mar (modules, optional), then outdoors mar-jul. Best direct sown once soil reaches ~7C, from late Mar to Jul; late Feb sowings are possible under fleece/cloches but only with a bolt-resistant variety like 'Boltardy'. Can also be module-sown indoors in Feb-Mar for an earlier start, as beetroot transplants well.
Can you sow beetroot outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant beetroot outdoors mar-jul. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is beetroot ready to harvest in the UK?
Beetroot is typically harvested Jun-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow beetroot?
It depends on the month and your region. Beetroot has a UK outdoor window of mar-jul; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.