Beetroot Season

Beetroot is one of the most flexible crops in the vegetable garden. It grows well in the UK climate and can be harvested over a long season, from tender baby roots in early summer to full-sized beets for winter storage.

When is beetroot in season?

In the UK, beetroot season typically runs from June through October, with roots available fresh from the garden or allotment throughout summer and autumn. Stored beetroots and overwintered crops can extend the season into the colder months.

Beetroot season UK month by month

• March–April: Early sowings (usually under cloches or in modules) get the season started.
• June–July: The first baby beets are ready for harvest.
• July–September: Main cropping season. This is when most standard-sized roots are lifted.
• October–November: Late sowings are harvested and roots lifted for storage.
• Winter (December–February): Stored beetroot or pickled beet keeps the season going in the kitchen even when nothing is growing outside.

Early vs late beetroot

• Early beetroot: Varieties like Boltardy can be sown as soon as the soil warms in spring, giving the first harvests in June.
• Late beetroot: Sown in July or early August, these crops mature in autumn and can be stored for use over winter.

Extending the season

• Successional sowing: Sow every 2–3 weeks between March and July for a steady harvest.
• Storage: Roots can be stored in boxes of sand, compost, or sawdust to last through winter.
• Preserving: Pickling beetroot in vinegar or making chutneys extends the usable season into the following year.

Growing beetroot all year round

Having access to a polytunnel or greenhouse means you can push the boundaries of beetroot season and grow almost year-round. The extra protection from wind, frost, and heavy rain allows beetroot to continue growing even in the colder months.

• Climate advantage: The sheltered environment keeps temperatures a few degrees higher than outside, reducing stress on young seedlings.
• Reduced light in winter: Germination and growth are much slower, often taking two to three times as long compared to summer.
• Careful planning required: With good rotation, raised beds, and fleece protection, it’s possible to stagger sowings and enjoy fresh beetroot most of the year.
• Practical reality: While outdoor crops are limited to spring through autumn, protected growing lets UK gardeners keep a trickle of fresh beets coming and supplement with stored roots or preserves.

Why beetroot fits the UK growing season

Beetroot thrives in the UK’s mild summers and doesn’t require extreme heat. It’s a hardy root crop that can handle cool nights and variable weather, making it a reliable vegetable for both home growers and market gardeners. With the right protection and planning, it can become a near year-round crop.