How Long Does Beetroot Take to Grow

Beetroot is a relatively quick-growing root crop compared to many other vegetables. The exact time it takes to grow depends on the variety, sowing date, and growing conditions.

How long do beetroot take to grow from seed?

From sowing to harvest, beetroot usually takes 8–12 weeks under typical UK growing conditions. In warm weather, some fast-maturing varieties can be ready in as little as 7 weeks, while in cooler spring or autumn sowings it may take up to 16 weeks.

• Baby beetroot: 6–8 weeks (around golf ball size).
• Standard beetroot: 10–12 weeks (5–7cm across).
• Larger storage roots: 12–16 weeks, depending on variety and conditions.

Factors affecting beetroot growth duration

• Temperature: Germinates best at 10–25°C; cooler soils slow growth.
• Variety: Quick growers like ‘Boltardy’ or ‘Detroit 2’ mature in around 55–65 days.
• Sowing time: Spring sowings are slower; summer sowings develop faster.
• Watering: Consistent moisture helps roots swell evenly; drought slows growth.
• Soil quality: Fertile, well-drained soil supports faster development.

How long does beetroot take to germinate?

Beetroot seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days, depending on soil warmth. In early spring this can stretch to 3 weeks, while in mid-summer seedlings may appear in just 5 days.

How to speed up beetroot growth

• Warm the soil: Use cloches or fleece in spring for quicker germination.
• Thin seedlings early: Prevents overcrowding and uneven growth.
• Successional sowing: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
• Choose fast-maturing varieties: Select quick growers for earlier crops.

Typical growth timeline (UK conditions)