Organic Beetroot Seeds 'Jannis'

Beetroot ‘Jannis’ is an easy-to-grow crop, suitable for growing directly in the ground without the need for indoor sowing.

Seeds can be sown from March through to July, once the soil has begun to warm. Sow seeds in shallow drills, spacing rows around 30cm apart.

Seeds should be sown thinly. Once seedlings are established, thin plants to around 15cm apart in rows. In deeper beds or raised planters, seedlings can be thinned to approximately 8cm all round.

An alternate way to grow is to multi-sow seeds. Place 3 seeds into a cell, or directly into the ground and cover. Each beet will mature at a different rate, increasing yields and saving space. 

Beetroot prefers a sunny, open position and evenly moist soil. Avoid disturbing roots when thinning, as beetroot does not transplant well once established.

Beetroot can be harvested as soon as roots reach a usable size, or left to mature fully depending on preference. Smaller roots tend to be more tender and sweeter, while larger roots are well-suited to storage.

Harvest carefully to avoid damaging neighbouring plants. Leaves can also be picked sparingly when young, though regular removal may reduce root size.

Beetroot can be used fresh, stored in cool conditions, or pickled and preserved for later use.

Pre-soaking: Beetroot seeds don’t require pre-soaking before sowing as they tend to germinate reliably. However, a soak in a diluted seaweed fertilizer solution of 6-12 hours can help support early root development and encourage faster germination.

Seed Compost: When sowing, a small amount of frass soil improver can be mixed into the soil or seed drills. This helps support steady early growth without encouraging excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.

During the growing season: As beetroot plants grow, light feeding can help maintain balance. Liquid seaweed fertilizer can be applied every couple of weeks, watered into the soil rather than used as a foliar spray.

Frass can be applied as a surface dressing during the growing season, watered in to support soil structure and long-term soil health.

Beetroot is very trouble-free and not particularly susceptible to any pests or diseases.

Beta vulgaris

Beetroot belongs to the species Beta vulgaris, a group of plants that also includes chard and sugar beet. While closely related, beetroot is grown primarily for its swollen roots rather than its leaves, though the leaves, too, are edible.

Over centuries of cultivation, beetroot varieties have been selected for shape, colour and flavour, resulting in roots that range from deep red to golden and striped forms. ‘Jannis’ sits firmly within the traditional red beetroot group, valued for its uniformity and dependable cropping.

Well-suited to the UK climate, beetroot grows steadily in open ground and can be sown successionally for an elongated harvest. Its ability to mature reliably has made it a long-standing staple in kitchen gardens.