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Plant diseases
Woody roots
Illustration
Beetroot, turnips and swedes that turn tough, stringy and woody, because they were left to grow too big or went short of water in a hot or dry spell. Lifting them young and keeping the soil evenly moist prevent it.
How to spot it
- Flesh that is tough, fibrous or stringy when cut or cooked, and often bitter or strong-tasting.
- Mostly in big, old roots: beetroot much past 7 cm (3 in) across, or turnips bigger than a tennis ball.
- Also in roots that grew through a dry spell, which may stay small as well.
- Swedes and turnips that mature in hot weather turn tough and bitter instead of sweet.
- Roots that have run to flower stop swelling and turn woody.
Easily confused with
Boron deficiency
Black spots inside beetroot, or a glassy, brown centre in swedes and turnips, rather than stringy flesh.
Pithy roots
Radishes that turn spongy and hot rather than stringy.
Bolting
A flower stalk rising from the middle of the plant; the root stops swelling and turns woody as a result.
Split fruit and roots
Roots that have cracked open after rain or a big watering ended a dry spell.
Where it's a problem
- Worldwide: Common everywhere, especially where roots grow through hot, dry weather or are left in the ground too long. Not regulated.
What to do
- Sow so the roots grow and mature in cool weather, not the hottest weeks of the year.
- Water regularly in dry spells so the soil stays evenly moist, and mulch to hold the moisture in.
- Lift beetroot when the roots are 4–7 cm (1½–3 in) across, from golf-ball to cricket-ball size.
- Lift turnips young: golf-ball size for eating raw, and before they pass tennis-ball size.
- Lift swedes from about 10 cm (4 in) across. They can stand in cold weather, and light frosts sweeten them.
- Pull out any plant that starts to flower and use the root straight away.
Spraying won't help: woody roots come from age, heat and dry soil, not an infection. Official guides prevent them with lifting on time and steady watering.
Vegetables it affects
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Sources (6, from RHS, Utah State University Extension, Clemson Cooperative Extension and others)
- RHS: How to grow beetroot · How to grow turnips
- Utah State University Extension: How to grow beets in your garden · How to grow rutabagas and turnips in your garden
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Carrot, beet, radish and parsnip
- Iowa State University Extension: Growing turnips and rutabagas in the home garden
Facts checked Wednesday 28 October 2026. General guidance only: follow your local council, agency and product label.