When to Harvest Beetroot (UK)

Beetroot is a versatile crop that can be harvested young for tender baby roots or left to grow larger for roasting, pickling, and storage. Knowing when beetroot is ready to harvest ensures you get the best flavour, texture, and yield.

How do you know when beetroot is ready to harvest?

The simplest way to tell is by looking at the size of the root above the soil. Beetroot shoulders will begin to show through the soil surface as they swell. For the best eating quality:

• Baby beetroot: harvest when roots are about the size of a golf ball (3–4cm across).
• Standard beetroot: harvest when 5–7cm in diameter, about the size of a small apple.
• Large storage roots: can be left to 8–10cm, but any bigger and they risk becoming woody.

Another sign is the leaves. While the foliage is edible at all stages, older leaves may begin to look tired or yellowed, which is a good indication the root is mature.

When to harvest beetroot in the UK

• Spring sowings (March–April): usually ready from June to July.
• Summer sowings (May–June): harvested from July through September.
• Late sowings (July–early August): can be lifted in autumn (September–October) and stored for winter use.

UK gardeners often make successional sowings every 2–3 weeks to spread out the harvest.

When to pick beetroot for the best flavour

For the sweetest, most tender roots, pick them small at golf-ball size. These are perfect for eating raw in salads or lightly steamed. Mid-sized roots (5–7cm) offer the best balance of flavour and yield for everyday cooking.

Leaving beetroot too long in the ground risks tough, woody roots — especially in hot, dry spells or if the soil dries out.

How to harvest beetroot

• Water the bed a day before lifting to soften the soil.
• Grip the foliage close to the crown and ease the root from the soil.
• Use a hand fork if the ground is compacted, but avoid spearing the root.
• Twist off the leaves 2–3cm above the crown rather than cutting, which helps prevent bleeding and rot in storage.

Storing harvested beetroot

• Store only unblemished, firm roots.
• Place in boxes of damp sand, peat-free compost, or sawdust in a cool, dark shed.
• Beetroot keeps for up to 3–4 months if stored correctly.
• Baby roots are best eaten fresh within a week.

Common mistakes to avoid when harvesting beetroot

• Leaving them too long in the ground: roots can become woody, cracked, or split.
• Harvesting in very dry soil: this makes lifting harder and increases the risk of snapping roots. Always water beforehand.
• Cutting foliage too close to the crown: this can cause bleeding and reduce storage life. Twist leaves off instead.
• Storing damaged or soft roots: even one poor-quality beet can spoil the rest. Select only the healthiest roots for storage.
• Ignoring successional harvesting: pulling all at once can lead to waste. Instead, lift gradually as needed.