Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group)
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BAY-tuh vul-GAIR-iss
- Description
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The Garden Beet Group of Beta vulgaris is what most would associate with the word "beet"– the round, swollen root vegetable commonly found in stores. The earthy-tasting vegetable has a number of cultivars in various colors though deep purple-red is the most well-known. While this plant is normally grown for its root, the leafy tops are edible as well.
Beets do best in full sun to partial shade and moist, rich, well-drained soil. While they can still grow well in partial shade, it will take longer for the plant to mature to harvestable size. They thrive in the cool temperatures of spring and fall although they can tolerate heat and humidity well. However, they need consistent moisture in order to produce a good crop.
When planting, direct-seed if possible– transplanting can disturb root development. Thin plants to 2-3 in apart. These plants can be grown in containers, doing best in a minimum size of 2 quarts and depth of 8 in. The plants can be harvested when the roots have grown to 1.5-3 in diameter, anywhere from 50-80 days after germination. Plant new beets in 3 week intervals for a continuous harvest.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Bull's Blood'
Old heirloom; red roots and dark red-purple leaves
- 'Bull's Blood'
- 'Bull's Blood'
- Tags:


- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Bull's Blood'
Old heirloom; red roots and dark red-purple leaves
- 'Bull's Blood'
- 'Bull's Blood'
- Tags:
-
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Beta
- Species:
- vulgaris
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Biennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mediterranean, Europe
- Edibility:
- Roots and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Trim the greens from the root to store, leaving a small amount of stem behind. Use the greens within a few days as they do not store well. The beets can last up to several months in the fridge under proper humidity and temperature.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Edible
- Vegetable
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Description:
- Green, non-showy spikes of flowers in the plant's second year. Spikes can rise as tall as 4'.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Large, green leafy tops. Leaves may have red veining or be entirely purple in color depending on the cultivar.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Heat
- Humidity