Kelvin Wairimu
Did you know beetroots are one of Kenya’s fastest-growing cash crops, with demand soaring in urban markets?
The high nutritional value of beetroots has increased its demand, pushing prices so high to Ksh. 100 per kilo.
The good thing is that only a few farmers do beetroot farming, sustaining a low supply, which holds prices high.
The majority of beetroot consumed in Kenya comes from Nakuru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Kiambu County.
In this article, we give a simple step-by-step guide to growing beetroots profitably from seeds to harvesting, tailored for Kenyan farmers.
So, if you are a farmer trying to diversify and boost income, try beetroot farming, but first make sure to identify the market.
Why Grow Beetroots in Kenya?
Good market price, early maturity, low cost, and easy management are the main reasons why you should farm beetroot.
Depending on market supply, farmgate prices range from Ksh. 60 to 70 per kilo. Under good management, beetroots take 55-70 days to mature.
Harvesting happens when the roots are about 5 cm in diameter (about golf-ball size). Young beet greens can be harvested for salads when they are 2–5 cm high, and older greens before they reach 15 cm long.
Ideal Conditions for Beetroot Farming
Beetroots thrive under an optimal temperature range of 10-24°C and can be grown year-round with sufficient water.
They do well on loamy or slightly sandy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and well-drained to prevent root rot.
Choosing the Right Beetroot Varieties
Read Also: The Best Fertilizer for Onions in Kenya: A 2025 Complete Guide
Best Beetroot Varieties in Kenya:
Cylindra beets have smooth, deep, or purple-red skin and a dark crimson interior with a sweet, earthy, and tender flavor. Under good management, it can yield 5-8 tons per acre.
Bolt Hardy Beets produce medium-sized, globe-shaped, deep red or crimson roots with smooth skin and ringless flesh. It is sweet, tender, and slightly earthy, with edible young leaves. It matures in 50-60 days with a yield of 6-7 tons.
Chioggia Pink Beet is a globe-shaped root with a pinkish-red or reddish exterior and a distinctive interior of concentric pink and white rings. The edible tops are green with red veins, growing 10–12 inches tall.
It is sweet, mild, and less earthy than other beets, with tender, smooth flesh. The leaves are also edible, with a mild flavor.
Reaches harvest in about 55–65 days, similar to Boltardy and slightly faster than Cylindra.
Burpee’s Golden Beet is a globe-shaped root, approximately 2–3 inches in diameter, with bright golden-yellow skin and deep yellow flesh. The tops are green, edible, and can be used like spinach, growing 10–12 inches tall.
They have a sweet, mild, and less earthy flavor than red beets, with tender flesh that doesn’t bleed like red varieties, making them ideal for fresh or lightly cooked dishes.
It’s always good to choose your variety based on market demand, soil type, and disease resistance.
Planting Beetroots
To aid with germination, it is always good to soak seeds for 24 hours to improve germination.
Normally, I prefer direct sowing when planting beetroots. Though one can raise them first in seedbeds, direct sowing offers better yields.
Make the soil as loose as possible to allow beet expansion. Drill shallow furrows on a spacing of 10-15 cm apart.
Sow the seeds 2 cm deep and water. An acre can normally hold 30,000-40,000 plants.
After germination, do thinning, leaving only the strong crops, and give room for the beet expansion.
Soil Preparation and Fertilization
Soil Testing: It’s always good to carry out soil test analysis to check pH and nutrient levels. After the result, adjust based on the recommendation.
Organic manure plays a vital role in the yield results. Incorporate well-decomposed manure at least 2 tons per acre.
Topdress with DAP fertilizer on the 14th day after sowing, followed by NPK 17.17.17 30 days after sowing. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers in the second month, as this can slow the beet formation.
Watering and Irrigation
Beetroots, like most tubers, need consistent moisture, especially during germination and root development.
Drip irrigation is the best system, as it prevents most fungal diseases associated with overhead irrigation.
Though watering intervals vary with weather, water at least daily until sprouting, then 2-3 times weekly.
Pest and Disease Management
Aphids and leaf miners are common pests in beetroot farming. Apply insecticides such as Emmaron or Thunder combined with stickers such as Integra or Aquawet.
Cercospora leaf spot and root rot are common diseases in beetroot farming. Prevent by applying Score or Infinito fungicides early. Practice crop rotation and proper drainage to prevent root rot.
For organic solutions, use compost teas or companion planting (e.g., with onions).
Harvesting Beetroots
Harvest 60-80 days after planting, when roots are 5-7 cm in diameter. Gently pull roots by hand or use a fork to avoid damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Beetroot Farming in Kenya
- How long does it take to grow beetroots? 60-80 days from planting to harvest, depending on variety and management.
- Can beetroots grow in hot areas? Yes, in lowlands with temperatures up to 24°C and adequate water.
- What causes low beetroot yields? Poor soil, poor fertilization, inadequate spacing, or insufficient water.
- Are beetroots profitable in Kenya? Yes, due to high demand in urban markets and low input costs.
- Which fertilizers are best? Organic manure, DAP fertilizer, and balanced NPK fertilizers.
Start your beetroot farm today! Share your progress or ask questions in the comments.
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