Beets
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Family: Amaranthaceae · Genus: Beta
Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable in the amaranth family, grown for both their edible roots and leafy greens. The roots are typically deep red-purple but golden and striped varieties exist. Native to the Mediterranean region.
Soil Temperature
7°C – 25°C
Spacing
20 – 30 cm
Harvest
7–10 weeks
Sowing
Easy to grow. Sow in garden.
Growing Schedule Zone 8b
Companions
Avoid Growing Near
Growing Notes
Soak seeds in water 24 hours before planting so that you can separate the seeds. Thinning is nearly always required as seedlings emerge from a seedball of several seeds. If you don't thin them, you will get a number of rather pathetic plants which don't grow to an edible size. Keep well-watered as dry beetroot develop a woody and inedible core. For tasty and tender beetroot, start harvesting at golfball-size.
Culinary Hints
Apart from boiling whole for salads, beetroot roast well, cut in wedges. They also make a tasty salad grated raw with carrot and a little fresh orange juice.