Propagation
Propagation is from seed.Planting Method
Plant beetroot seeds directly into plant area 20 mm deep. Seeds are planted in rows that are 20 cm apart and at first 2 cm apart and once established are thinned out and these plants can be used to fill gaps.
Seeds can also be planted into seedling trays and once seedlings are established and grown about 10 cm can be planted out. This tends to not be adopted by big commercial growers as a good production requires about 500 000 plants per hectare and this process is costly.
Spacing
Plants should finally be spaced 5 to 10 cm apart depending on the size of beet desired. They are planted in rows that are 20 cm apart. With paths left for implement wheels and for labour you should be left with about 600 000 to 800 000 plants per hectare. Again this varies from producer to producer depending on what usage the crop is destined for.Sowing Time
Beetroot can be planted throughout the year in mild temperate climates. But the best resultant crops in South Africa are planted from August to December.Growth Period
Fertilization
Before planting and during the preparation of the raised planting beds compost and an allocation of chicken manure can be worked into the top 200 mm of soil. After planting, an organic mulch can be applied over the planted area.
Once the plants have established themselves at about three weeks after emergence apply 400 kg of LAN or equivalent liquid fertilizer. Three weeks after the first application apply the same level of Nitrogen as the first application in the form of a Potassium Nitrate.
Irrigation
