Beetroot is a widely loved vegetable for its rich colour, earthy flavour, and numerous health benefits. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, fibre, iron, and potassium, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. Whether you're juicing it or adding it to salads, this vegetable is easy to incorporate into meals.
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Growing beetroot at home is simple, and surprisingly, you can do it without seeds. Using beetroot tops or scraps, you can regrow this nutritious vegetable with ease. Here are seven tips to help you successfully grow beetroot without seeds, from planting to harvesting.
Tips To Grow Beetroot Without Seeds
Start With Fresh Beetroot Tops
To grow beetroot without seeds, you’ll need fresh beetroot with leafy tops still attached. Choose beetroots with healthy leaves, as they will help promote the regrowth process. Cut off the top part of the beetroot (about 1 inch below the leaves) and ensure that the section has part of the root attached. These tops will be used to start your new plant.
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Place The Beetroot Tops In Water
After cutting the beetroot tops, place them in a shallow container with enough water to cover the base, but leave the leaves above the waterline. Make sure the root end is submerged in the water. Place the container in a sunny location, such as a windowsill, to allow the roots to begin sprouting. Change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh and prevent mould growth.
Watch For New Growth
Within a few days, you should begin to see small roots and new leaves emerging from the beetroot tops. This is a sign that the plant is establishing itself and preparing for further growth. Once the roots grow about 1-2 inches long and new leaves develop, you’ll know it’s time to transfer the beetroot tops to the soil for proper growth.
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Plant In Nutrient-Rich Soil
Prepare a container or garden bed with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Make small holes in the soil and carefully transfer the beetroot tops into the soil, ensuring the roots are fully covered. Keep the leafy part above the soil surface. Beetroot thrives in loose soil that is rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost or organic fertiliser to help boost growth.
Watering
Beetroots need regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it’s essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil remains evenly damp but not waterlogged. Water your beetroot plants every few days or when the top layer of the soil starts to dry out. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
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Sunlight
Beetroot requires a good amount of sunlight to grow well. Aim to place your plants in an area where they can receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. If you're growing beetroot indoors, positioning the container near a sunny window or using grow lights can help ensure they get the necessary light to thrive. Adequate sunlight will promote healthy leaf and root development.
Also Read: How To Grow Olives At Home
Harvesting
Typically, beetroot can be harvested around 6–8 weeks after planting. The size of the root will vary depending on the growing conditions, but generally, the beetroot will be ready to harvest once it reaches 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Gently pull the beetroot from the soil by grasping the base of the leaves and lifting it out. You can also check for maturity by gently brushing away the soil around the top of the beetroot to inspect its size.