Beetroot is a tasty and healthy vegetable that is easy to grow at home, even without seeds! As a gardener, I was thrilled to learn that I could make new beet plants from kitchen scraps with just a few simple tools and some patience.
If you want to grow beetroot from leftovers, this complete guide will show you how to do it using a method called vegetative propagation. You can use this method to grow new plants from beetroot tops, crowns, and stumps. No seed packets required!.
An Overview of Growing Beetroot from Kitchen Scraps
The key to growing beetroot without seeds is understanding how beets reproduce in nature. Beets are biennial plants, meaning they take two growing seasons to complete their lifecycle.
The plant’s leaves and roots can be eaten in the first year. Then it blooms and makes seeds the next year before dying back.
We can make the beet grow new roots and leaves without letting it go to seed by copying its natural growth pattern. The basic process is:
- Save beetroot scraps from the kitchen
- Place them in water to encourage sprouting
- Transplant the sprouted beet tops into soil
- Allow them to grow into mature, productive beetroot plants
It may seem too straightforward to work, but with a little care this method reliably produces crop after crop of homegrown beets. No seed packets needed!
Step 1: Collecting and Storing Beetroot Scraps
The first step is gathering up leftover beet parts after cooking. You’ll want to collect:
- Beet greens – the leafy tops are ideal for propagating new beets. Only use fresh, healthy looking leaves.
- Beetroot crown – this is the top 1-2 inches of the beetroot where the leaves connect to the root. It contains growth nodes that readily sprout.
- Beetroot stumps – the small cluster of leaves left on the beet after greens are removed. Stumps often regrow when left in the garden.
Try to use organic beets if possible, since pesticide residue could inhibit growth. Store the beet scraps in a sealed plastic bag or container in the fridge until ready to use. Use within 5-7 days for best freshness.
I like to save beetroot parts whenever I cook up a batch. A few crowns and tops quickly accumulate, ready for my next growing project!
Step 2: Sprouting Beets in Water
Once you’ve gathered some scraps, it’s time to get them sprouting. Place the tops, crowns, and stumps in a glass jar or shallow dish filled with about 1 inch of clean water.
Leave the cut surface underwater, while keeping the leaves above the waterline. Put the jar on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting.
In 7-12 days, little white roots should emerge from the submerged cut surface. Soon after, the leaves will send up new tender growth. Once sprouts reach 2-3 inches long, the beet greens are ready for transplanting.
Step 3: Transplanting into Soil
Now for the fun part – moving your beetroot sprouts into soil! Start by filling starter pots or trays with a light, fertile potting mix. Gently loosen the delicate white roots from the beet base, taking care not to break the new sprouts.
Bury the beet crown or stump 1 inch deep in the potting soil. Firm the mix gently around each plant. Ensure the tender white roots are fully covered while keeping sprouted leaves above the surface.
Water thoroughly and place in a sunny spot or under grow lights. In 2 weeks, transplants will have a vigorous root system and healthy tops. Time to move them into the garden!
Step 4: Growing On to Mature Roots
Once beet sprouts have an established root network, they can be transferred into garden beds. Prepare the planting area with loose, enriched soil and full sun. Space transplants 4-6 inches apart in all directions. Water well after planting.
Continue keeping the soil consistently moist as the beets grow. In 55-75 days, gently loosen soil with a fork and check beetroot size. Harvest any large roots, allowing smaller ones more time to reach full size. Beets left to overgrow can become woody, so don’t leave them in too long.
With proper care, beet transplants will yield an abundant harvest within about 2 months. And you can use their greens to propagate the next generation!
Tips for the Best Success Growing Beetroot from Scraps
Follow these tips to ensure your beet cuttings thrive:
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Select the freshest, healthiest beet parts to start cuttings. Avoid old, wilted tops.
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Change the sprouting water every 2-3 days to prevent fungal diseases.
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Transplant sprouts when roots are 2-3 inches long. Longer and they become fragile.
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Keep soil consistently moist after transplanting into the garden. Beets need steady water.
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Harvest beets before exceeding 3 inches diameter to maintain tender texture.
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Time plantings for fall or spring growing. Avoid hot midsummer weather.
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Loosen and enrich soil with compost before planting for smooth, well-shaped roots.
By following these simple steps for growing beetroot without seeds, you’ll get bountiful, beautiful beets. This method lets you turn kitchen scraps into productive new veggie plants. With a little practice, you can keep a steady beet harvest going year after year – all from market bought beets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow beetroot from cuttings?
Yes, cuttings are a great way to grow beetroot without seeds. Take a leaf or stem cutting from an existing beet plant and it will readily grow into a new beetroot plant.
Will beets grow if the tops are eaten?
If plants still have most of their leaves, you should still get beetroots. But if tops are completely gone, the plant likely won’t produce much of a root. Some new leaves may emerge, but not enough to form a full beetroot.
How long does it take to grow beets?
From transplanting sprouted beet tops, it takes 55-75 days to reach maturity and begin harvesting full-sized beetroots. Beets are biennial so require 2 seasons to go from seed to flowering plant.
Can you grow beetroot in a pot?
Yes, beetroot can be grown successfully in containers. After sprouted beet transplants establish roots, move them into a pot with adequate drainage. Follow similar soil, sun, and watering guidelines as in-ground gardening.
What’s the best way to grow beetroot seeds?
Beet seeds should be sown directly into the ground 2cm deep and 10cm apart. They need full sun but also tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry weather.
Is beetroot easy to grow at home?
Beetroot is an easy, beginner-friendly veggie to grow at home. Using scraps to propagate plants makes it even simpler. With proper sunlight, enriched soil, adequate watering, and sufficient growing time, you can have a successful beet harvest!
Can You Re-Grow Beets from Tops?
Beets brighten up any dish made from roasted root vegetables, from chips to borsht. While many of us are familiar with the bright pink, bulbous roots, not many of us have used the greens. They can be used similarly to Swiss chard or other dark green leafy veggie tops. They can be used fresh in salads but are best sautéed or chopped into stews and soups. Can you re-grow beets from tops alone?.
Many of us have tried to start an avocado plant from a pit. While this doesnt usually develop into a producing tree, it is a fun way to watch something that would be discarded, become a living thing. Curious cooks have tried to use leftover vegetable parts as plants. Celery, lettuce, and some herbs will all successfully sprout out new leaves. Do beets re-grow? Most certainly the tops will, but dont expect a new bulb. Beet greens are loaded with iron, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. They will jazz up many types of dishes.
Tips to Re-Grow Beets from Scraps
If you are planting store-bought beets, try to ensure they are organic. You can plant beets from your garden or from the store, but you should stay away from regular grocery store produce because it might have pesticides or herbicides on it. Select beets that have healthy greens and a solid, unblemished root. Wash your beet well before cutting into it. Remove stems and leaves and use them for a recipe. Then separate the very top from the bulk of the bulb. Use the bulb but retain the top part which is scarred from leaf removal. This is the part of the beet that will produce new leaves.