Beet

Beta vulgaris vulgaris

Growth conditions
USDA Hardiness zone	4-8 Learn more
Light requirement	Full sun
Water requirement	Moist
Soil type	Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Soil pH	6.0-6.8
Physical characteristics
Leaves	Deciduous
Height	0.9
Width (m)	0.25
Cultivation details
Life cycle	Biennial
Spacing	20cm
Propagation method	Seed - direct sow, Seed - transplant
When to sow (outdoors)	2-3 weeks before last frost, 6-8 weeks before the first frost
When to sow (indoors)	6-8 weeks before last frost
When to plant (transplant)	2 weeks before last frost
Germination time	5-12 days
Germination temperature	10°c (50°f)
Days to maturity	45-65
Seed viability	2-3 years
Seed planting depth	1.5 cm
Uses
Edible	True
Edible parts	Leaves, Root
Names
Alternate name	Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Conditiva Group, beetroot
German name	Rübe
Taxonomy
Family	Chenopodiaceae
Links
Wikipedia 🔗
Plants For A Future 🔗

Created: 2020-08-14 19:51:16 UTC
Last updated: 2023-12-09 15:58:34 UTC by Ben

See edit history (29)

Beet

Beta vulgaris vulgaris

Description

Beet (Beta vulgaris vulgaris), also known as garden beet, red beet, or table beet, is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a biennial plant that typically grows to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet and has dark green leaves that are long and rounded, with a smooth or slightly hairy texture. The stem is usually light green in color, and the plant produces small, white or yellow flowers.

Beet plants grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and they prefer full sun to partial shade. To cultivate beets successfully, a grower will need to keep the soil moist and weed-free, and may need to thin the plants to allow for proper growth.

Beets are edible, and the most commonly eaten part of the plant is the root, which is typically red or purple in color. The leaves of the plant can also be eaten, and are often used in salads. Beets can be stored after harvest by washing and trimming the roots, and then storing them in a cool, dark place.

Beets have a number of uses, both culinary and non-culinary. In the kitchen, beets can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, and grilling. They can also be used to add color and flavor to salads, soups, and stews. In addition to their culinary uses, beets have a number of medicinal properties and have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, constipation, and inflammation.

Beets are also valuable for their ability to improve soil fertility, as their leaves and roots contain high levels of nitrogen and other nutrients. They can be used as a natural fertilizer, and can also be used as a mulch or as a ground cover to help control weeds.

Beets are not particularly attractive to wildlife, but they can provide food for a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, and birds. Overall, beets are a versatile and valuable plant that is widely cultivated by gardeners and farmers for their edible roots and leaves, as well as for their potential uses in medicine and agriculture.