No action from the beetroot

[Bramble_killer]

I planted out beetroot into the ground (sprinkled thinly in a drill), covered with topsoil and this was approx 2-3 weeks ago. They've done nowt. did i do something wrong?

I'm in the south east, the ground is clay and everything else has grown bar them.

It was an entire packet of beetroot cylindrica from t&m, do they guarantee germination? Can I write for my money back if it's not my fault?

[amandaandherveg]

I sowed T&M cylindra about 6 weeks ago and not a thing - thought it was just me. The chioggia, golden detroit and boltardy all made an appearance.

[zazen999]

My Cylindra is up, sown about 3 weeks ago.

Are you totally sure it hasn't been eaten by slugs?

[Bramble_killer]

don't really have a big slug problem but not a single one from a whole packet makes me suspicious.

will sow the bolthardy one from the dig in now then.

[BumbleB]

I am same area as you and my beetroot have been very scanty, while lettuce, radish etc all germinated well. We have had such little rain since before easter - could that be a problem?

[coreopsis]

Make sure you keep the soil moist.Are the seeds not too deep?I sowed 3 varieties and each of them made appearance in their own time.

[blackkitty]

I've had a similar problem with chioggia, only about five plants out of about 30 seeds. I've sown some in modules now in the greenhouse to transplant and they all seem to have come up.

[Bramble_killer]

I'll water them tonight when I get home. am thinking that's probably the cause as I remember to water the greenhouse plants but leave the ones in the ground to fend for themselves.

Actually, just thought, if they are dried out and me watering them, will they actually germinate??

[BarleySugar]

I remember reading that beetroot seeds do not germinate until they have had a heavy rain (or equivalent), so either they need a good watering in, or you can soak them for a while before sowing, and sow them wet.

[suziqnewby]

I love this site, it's a fantastic way to share knowledge, maybe one day i to will be able to share my nuggets of information with others!! I too am awaiting signs of life from my beetroot and will take on board the advice you have given on this thread.

Thanks

Suzanne

[zazen999]

Try watering with warm water, to help break down the outside casing - it is often recommended to soak in warm water before sowing.

[Bramble_killer]

the new ones are going to be soaked in warm water and then started off in modules

can i intercrop the beetroot between the tomato plants?

[Lemon]

Am thinking they're prob just slow. I sowed Beetroot - Boltardy and Pronto (baby) 3 weeks ago and they've only just popped to say hello.... I'm sure you would get a least one from an entire seed packet! See how you get on - if no good you can e-mail T&M I'm sure they'll refund

[johninblackpool]

My Boltardy's are about 9" tall but at the moment they are still all leaf can't wait to see some growth in the soil

[lyndap]

My beetroot seeds,presoaked went into raised beds 3weeks ago.Was beginning to think no good but checked today and they are starting to come up.I think sometimes we are just to impatient!