Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Beetroot
Varieties: 'White' (dual purpose - tasty leaves), 'Detroit 2 Bolivar', 'Cylindra'
Beetroot is easy enough to grow outside during the spring and summer, and also
stores well, but it's still worth giving a few plants space in the tunnel for an over-
wintering harvest that extends into early spring.
Preparation
Beetroot prefers to grow with little or no competition. A loose, well-drained loam
with plenty of organic matter will help to retain the moisture it needs and allow
its roots to develop.
Sowing
The seeds are actually seed clusters. Several may germinate from a single cluster,
while others do not germinate at all. Germination can therefore be erratic.
In modules: Sow beetroot seeds 1cm deep in modules, several seeds per pot, and
thin to the strongest.
Direct: Sow every 2cm in rows 15cm apart, then thin to roughly 10cm.
Beetroot will germinate in cooler conditions than many plants - roughly half the
seeds should sprout at only 5°C, though they will be extremely slow coming up
- but more will germinate at temperatures right up to 25°C, when they'll take
only a few days. However, their ability to grow in cold weather makes them an
ideal early crop, as it's not necessary to wait until the earth has thoroughly
warmed before sowing or planting them out.
For overwintering in the tunnel, sow seeds in modules from mid-July to the end
of August. Plant out from August to mid-September. This produces a staggered
harvest beginning in November and continuing right through to the spring.
Growing
After the first leaves appear, beetroot seedlings are slow to get started. Don't
allow them to get crowded or they won't develop properly.
Harvesting and storage
Young beetroot leaves are edible and very tasty (they are closely related to chard),
but will not successfully overwinter outside as they wilt when the root is ready.
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