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Beta vulgaris /beːta/

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

Beta vulgaris is a biennial in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), descended from the sea beet of European and Mediterranean coastlines. Selective breeding has produced distinct crops from the same species: beetroot for its swollen red root, Swiss chard for its leaves, and sugar beet for industrial sugar. Both the roots and greens of garden beets 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 Zones 2–11 as a cool-season crop
Mature height 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Pet safe Non-toxic; small amounts safe for pets
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Grown from seed sown directly into the garden bed or containers about 1-2 cm deep once the soil is workable. Each seed cluster produces several seedlings, so thin to the strongest plant per spot, roughly 8-10 cm apart.

Make your own Beet · Beetroot · Swiss chard · Sugar beet profile

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