The phrase “growing beetroot from beetroot” describes two distinct methods, both utilizing a harvested root vegetable to generate new growth. The first is a quick, kitchen-scrap technique for cultivating edible beet greens from the top portion, or crown, of the beet. The second is a much longer, multi-season process of replanting a mature beet to encourage it to produce seeds for true propagation. One offers an immediate harvest of leafy greens, while the other is a commitment to seed saving and completing the plant’s full biennial life cycle.
Regrowing Beet Greens from the Crown
This method provides a rapid supply of fresh beet greens for salads and cooking. To begin, slice the top 1 to 2 inches of the beet root, ensuring the crown where the leaves were attached remains intact. This piece holds the necessary growth points for new foliage development.
The crown can be placed cut-side down in a shallow dish with water, just enough to cover the bottom half-inch of the root piece. Position the dish on a bright windowsill that receives plenty of light, but is protected from intense, direct sun. New green leaves should begin sprouting from the center of the crown within about a week.
Change the water every two to three days to prevent mold or rot. As the greens reach a height of two to three inches, they are ready for harvest. Snip the outer leaves using clean scissors, always leaving a few small leaves in the center to continue the growth cycle. The root itself will not regenerate into a new bulb, but the greens can provide multiple small harvests.
Collecting Seeds from Mature Beetroot
Collecting seeds is a more involved process because the beet (Beta vulgaris) is a biennial plant, requiring two growing seasons to complete its reproductive cycle. The plant must undergo a period of cold exposure, known as vernalization, to trigger the development of a flower stalk. Select a healthy, mature beet and store it over winter, or leave it in the ground in milder climates, to experience this cold period.
In the spring, replant the whole root into the garden, leaving the top quarter-inch exposed above the soil line. The plant will then “bolt,” sending up a tall, branching flower stalk resulting from the vernalization process. This stalk produces small, green, wind-pollinated flowers.
The flowers eventually mature into hard, knobby clusters, each containing several seeds. Do not harvest the seed stalks until the clusters have turned golden-brown and feel dry and brittle. Cut the entire stalk and allow it to dry further indoors for one to two weeks before rubbing the clusters to release the small, textured seeds.
Ongoing Care and Overwintering Requirements
Successful seed production requires careful attention to the replanted beet. The mature root should be planted in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Ensure it has adequate space, typically about 12 to 18 inches away from other plants, since it will be stationary for a full season.
Consistent water is necessary, particularly during the bolting and seed development phase. Beet roots have a relatively shallow rooting depth, around 12 inches, so frequent, deep watering is better than shallow, sporadic irrigation. Water stress during this period can negatively affect seed quality and yield.
If overwintering the beet in the ground to achieve vernalization, apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves. This layer insulates the root and soil, protecting the plant from hard freezes and maintaining a consistent temperature. This ensures the root survives the winter and is ready to bolt when spring temperatures rise.