Beet
Beta vulgaris vulgaris
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Pl. 668F — Beta vulgaris vulgaris
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IOverview
Overview
Beet (Beta vulgaris vulgaris), also known as garden beet, red beet, or table beet, is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated worldwide for its edible root and leaves. This plant typically grows to about 0.9 meters in height with dark green, long and rounded leaves. Beets thrive in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making them adaptable to various growing conditions. They are commonly propagated by direct seeding indoors or outdoors, with outdoor sowing recommended 2-3 weeks before the last frost and 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Beets mature in 45-65 days and require a spacing of about 20cm between plants for optimal growth. Known for their versatility, beets are both edible and ornamental, adding vibrant color to gardens and tables alike.
Quick answers
What is Beet?
Beet (Beta vulgaris vulgaris), also known as garden beet, red beet, or table beet, is a biennial plant native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated worldwide for its edible root and leaves. This plant typically grows to about 0.9 meters in height with dark green, long and rounded leaves.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Beet (Beta vulgaris vulgaris) thrives in light to medium soil and can tolerate heavy clay soils as well. It prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7.5 and 8. For optimal growth, plant seeds directly outdoors about 2-3 weeks before the last frost or start them indoors for transplanting after hardening off. Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost, spacing them 20cm apart. Beets are hardy in zones 4-8 and grow to a height of 0.9 meters with a spread of 0.25 meters. Ensure they receive moist soil and plenty of light for best results. Harvest leaves and roots when mature, typically between 45-65 days after planting.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m × 0.25 m
Soil pH
7.5–8
- Propagation
- Direct seed indoors or outdoors. Transplant seedlings after hardening off.
- Sow outdoors
- 2-3 weeks before last frost, 6-8 weeks before the first frost
- Sow indoors
- 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Germination
- 5-12 days
- Days to maturity
- 45-65
- Days to harvest
- 80
- Spacing
- 20cm
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
- Seed viability
- 2-3 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Beet for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow beets for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, soil, a garden bed, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost or 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8, either in containers at least 10 inches deep or directly in the garden.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart; thin to 4-6 inches as they grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Cover with a light mulch if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Remove weeds carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall; harvest mature roots after 45-65 days by gently lifting them from the soil.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, and neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The beet (Beta vulgaris vulgaris) is commonly eaten for both its leaves and roots. The root can be cooked or eaten raw, often pickled or used in salads. The leaves are typically steamed or sautéed as a green vegetable. Both parts are also suitable for drying to preserve them for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia5 regions
native (5)IndiaIranIraqKuwaitOman
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 668f2659-be2b-40df-b486-ef7849295880
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