Beetroot—betabel—may not be a traditional Filipino garden staple, but its sweet, earthy roots and tender greens are gaining fans from Bulacan backyards to cooler uplands in Bukidnon. With careful variety choice, soil preparation, and timely sowing, you can harvest crisp beet roots in 60–80 days and enjoy flavorful young leaves long before that. After trialing beetroot in raised beds under shade cloth in Bulacan and comparing notes with growers in Tagaytay, here’s how to succeed almost anywhere in the Philippines.
Variety Selection
Choose quick-maturing, cylindrical or globe varieties suited to heavy soils—‘Detroit Dark Red’ or local “Golden Beet” for orange-fleshed interest—and longer, tapered types like ‘Cylindra’ for sandy loams. In Bulacan’s clay patches, I favor globe types that expand evenly without forking; upland growers in Benguet often select ‘Ruby Queen’ for its cold tolerance and high sugar content.
Soil Preparation
Beets need deep, loose, stone-free beds so roots develop straight. Double-dig beds to 30 cm, then blend in two wheelbarrows of homemade compost per ten square meters plus a handful of sand or rice-hull charcoal for drainage. In sandy coastal soils, add extra compost or aged chicken manure to retain moisture. Aim for pH 6.0–7.0; if acidity is high, dress lightly with dolomite lime a week before planting.
Sowing and Timing
Beetroot germinates best at soil temperatures of 15–25 °C. In lowland areas, sow November through January under light shade; in uplands, extend sowing into February. In Bulacan, I sow seeds in late November—just after the rains ease—so roots bulk before April heat. Draw furrows 5 cm deep, space holes 5 cm apart, and cover seeds lightly. Germination takes 7–10 days with even moisture.
Thinning and Spacing
Once seedlings have two true leaves—typically two weeks after sowing—thin to 10–12 cm between plants by snipping extras at soil level to avoid root disturbance. Wider spacing yields larger roots and better air circulation, reducing fungal risks in humid weather.
Watering and Mulching
Consistent moisture encourages tender, uniform beets. Water deeply each morning—wetting soil 10 cm down—then allow the surface to dry slightly. Mulch with rice straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature. In containers or raised beds, water daily during dry spells, testing by feel.
Feeding and Side-Dressing
At sowing, mix compost thoroughly into topsoil. Four weeks in, when roots begin to swell, side-dress with compost tea or a light sprinkle of well-rotted chicken manure beyond the drip line to supply phosphorus and potassium. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces lush tops but poor roots.
Pest and Disease Management
Beet leafminers create winding trails in leaves; remove affected foliage and scatter neem-dusted soil around plants to deter egg-laying flies. Aphids cluster on young shoots; a morning spray of mild garlic-soap infusion controls them. Cercospora leaf spot may appear as circular lesions; improve airflow by thinning and prune infected leaves.
Harvesting and Greens
Harvest beets at 4–8 cm diameter—usually 60–80 days after sowing—by gently pulling roots or loosening soil with a fork. Shake off loose earth and trim tops to 2 cm above the crown for storage. Young greens can be harvested anytime after four weeks: snip outer leaves and use as spinach in kinilaw or stir-fries.
Case Study
A Tagaytay grower alternated beet and lettuce beds under shade tunnels, staggering sowings every two weeks to supply premium salad mixes to Baguio cafés. Their twice-weekly harvests of tender beets and mixed greens sold out within hours.
Final Thoughts
Beetroot rewards with two crops—vibrant greens and sweet roots—from a single sowing. By mastering variety choice, deep stone-free beds, timely sowing, consistent moisture, balanced feeding, and simple pest checks, you can enjoy homegrown betabel year after year, whether in upland terraces or shaded lowland patches.
I’m open for consulting and speaking opportunities on sustainable vegetable production nationwide. Let’s grow together.
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