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Beta /beːta/

Common name: Beet · Beetroot · Swiss chard · Sugar beet

Beta A small genus of flowering plants in the amaranth family, native to the coasts of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with the sea beet as its best-known wild species. The single species Beta vulgaris has been bred into a remarkable range of crops, including beetroot, sugar beet, Swiss chard, and mangel-wurzel. Beets grow best in cool weather with full sun and loose, evenly moist soil, and both the roots and leafy tops are edible.

Fun facts

  • About a fifth of the world's sugar comes from sugar beets, a cultivar group of this same species.
  • The vivid red pigment betanin is used as a natural food coloring — and is why beets stain everything.
  • Beetroot juice is studied by athletes for its dietary nitrates, which may improve endurance.
  • Each beet "seed" is actually a dried fruit cluster containing several true seeds, so thinning is essential.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade
Water Evenly moist soil; about 2.5 cm (1 in) per week
Soil Loose, fertile, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Common problems

    • Cover beds with fine insect netting
    • Remove and destroy mined leaves
    • Rotate beet crops each season
    • Water at the soil line only
    • Remove infected leaves promptly
    • Rotate plantings to fresh ground yearly
    • Sow in well-drained warm soil
    • Avoid overwatering young seedlings
    • Thin seedlings for better airflow