beetBeta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Conditiva Group

beet

beets

1. Beta vulgaris subsp. rapacea
2. Beta vulgaris subsp. rapacea var. conditiva
3. Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris var. conditiva

1. table beet
2. garden beet
3. red beet
4. Beetroot
5. beetroot
6. Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Conditiva Group

1. table beet
2. garden beet
3. red beet
4. Beetroot
5. beetroot

1. Randen
2. Rahne

1. beet
2. beetroot
3. table beet
4. garden beet
5. red beet
6. beet greens

Amaranthaceae

1. root
2. leaves

Beetroot is a versatile root vegetable, valued for its intense color and earthy, sweet flavor. It is relatively easy to grow and offers both nutritious roots and edible leaves.

Beetroot prefers sunny to partial shade locations and loose, nutrient-rich soils. Sowing takes place from mid-April directly outdoors. Consistent watering is crucial for the development of tender roots. Regular thinning promotes larger bulbs.

Harvest can begin once the roots have reached the desired size, typically from June to November. For winter storage, roots should be harvested before the first frost and stored in a cool, dark, and moist place in sand or soil.

1. TaskSow seeds indoors or in a greenhouse for an early harvest.

   Label

   Sowing indoors/greenhouse

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionSoil temperature not yet suitable for outdoor sowing.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Use well-draining seed starting mix.

2. TaskPrepare the bed for outdoor sowing.

   Label

   Prepare the bed

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionGround is workable.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Loosen soil deeply and incorporate compost.

1. TaskDirect sow seeds into the open ground.

   Label

   Direct sowing outdoors

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Sow in rows with approximately 30-40 cm spacing.

2. TaskTransplant pre-cultivated young plants outdoors, if soil temperature is sufficient.

   Label

   Transplant young plants

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionAfter last frost, soil temperature at least 10°C.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure correct plant spacing.

1. TaskContinue direct sowing for a staggered harvest.

   Label

   Continuous direct sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6

   ConditionSoil temperature suitable.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow small quantities every 2-3 weeks.

2. TaskThin seedlings to the recommended spacing.

   Label

   Thin seedlings

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6

   ConditionSeedlings have developed their first true leaves.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Remove weaker plants to avoid competition.

3. TaskControl weeds.

   Label

   Weed control

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionWeeds are present.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Weed carefully to avoid damaging young beets.

1. TaskHarvest the first young beetroots.

   Label

   Harvest first young beetroots

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7

   ConditionRoots have reached desired size.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young roots are more tender and sweeter.

2. TaskWater regularly, especially during dry periods.

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7
   3. 8

   ConditionDry weather.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is important for root development.

3. TaskFertilize as needed.

   Label

   Fertilize as needed

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7

   ConditionVisible signs of nutrient deficiency or during rapid growth.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continuous harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8
   3. 9
   4. 10
   5. 11

   ConditionRoots have reached edible size.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest as needed, disturbing the soil as little as possible.

2. TaskWeed and loosen the soil.

   Label

   Weed and loosen soil

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionWeeds present or soil compacted.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Avoid deep hoeing to prevent root damage.

3. TaskFertilize again if necessary.

   Label

   Fertilize again

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionSigns of nutrient deficiency.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A light feeding can promote growth.

1. TaskHarvest the main crop.

   Label

   Harvest main crop

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8
   2. 9
   3. 10

   ConditionRoots are mature and of desired size.

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Roots should be firm and well-colored.

2. TaskWater well during dry spells.

   Label

   Water during dry spells

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionProlonged dry periods.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Consistent watering prevents cracking in the roots.

3. TaskCheck for pests and diseases.

   Label

   Check for pests and diseases

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionVisible signs of infestation or disease.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Pay attention to aphids and Cercospora leaf spot.

1. TaskContinue harvesting.

   Label

   Continuous harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10
   3. 11

   ConditionRoots are mature.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest before the ground freezes.

2. TaskHarvest leaves as a vegetable green, if desired.

   Label

   Harvest leaves as vegetable greens

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionLeaves are young and tender.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   The leaves are nutritious and can be prepared like spinach.

1. TaskHarvest the last beetroots before the first frost.

   Label

   Harvest last beetroots before frost

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionApproaching first frost.

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Frost can affect the quality of the roots.

2. TaskPrepare for storage.

   Label

   Prepare for storage

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionHarvesting complete.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Gently remove leaves and soil. Store in a cool, dark place.

1. TaskHarvest any remaining roots still in the ground.

   Label

   Harvest remaining roots

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   ConditionGround is not frozen.

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   These roots are often sweeter after light frosts.

2. TaskLoosen the soil and prepare for the next season.

   Label

   Loosen soil and prepare for next season

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   ConditionBed is cleared.

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Incorporate compost or green manure for the next season.

Sunny to partial shade

Prefers a sunny location but tolerates partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

1. loamy
2. sandy_loam
3. silty_loam

Loose, deep, and fertile soils are ideal. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

Regularly, keep soil lightly moist

Consistent watering is important for root development and prevents cracking. Watering in the morning is ideal.

1. compost
2. organic_fertilizer
3. mineral_fertilizer

Incorporate compost before planting, and supplement with liquid fertilizer during the growing season if needed.

High potassium requirement for root development.

Excessive nitrogen can lead to leafy growth and poor storage quality. Potassium-rich fertilization promotes root development.

Beetroot is well-suited for intercropping and can be grown in various bed sizes.

Amaranthaceae

1. Spinach
2. Chard
3. Quinoa
4. other beetroots

1. Legumes (peas, beans)
2. Green manure

1. Brassicas
2. Potatoes
3. Onions

Beetroot is a medium feeder. A crop rotation of at least three years with other Amaranthaceae is important to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests.

1. Slugbormangel

   Name

   Boron Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Black heart (internal rot of the root), stunted growth
   2. Distorted leaves
   3. Growth disorders

   Causes

   1. Alkaline soils
   2. Drought
   3. Excessive nitrogen fertilization

   Management

   1. Conduct soil test
   2. Apply boron-containing fertilizer (carefully)
   3. Incorporate compost
2. Slugkaliummangel

   Name

   Potassium Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Poor root development
   2. Yellowish or brown leaf margins
   3. Wilting leaves

   Causes

   1. Light, sandy soils
   2. Leaching
   3. Insufficient fertilization

   Management

   1. Use potassium-rich fertilizer
   2. Incorporate wood ash (in moderation)
3. Slugstickstoffmangel

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Pale, yellowish leaves (especially older ones)
   2. Stunted growth

   Causes

   1. Nutrient-poor soil
   2. Heavy leaching

   Management

   1. Incorporate compost or organic nitrogen fertilizer
   2. Green manure

Balanced nutrient supply is crucial for healthy beetroots. A soil test can help identify specific deficiencies.

1. Slugschossen

   Name

   Bolting (premature flowering)

   Symptoms

   1. Formation of a flower stalk
   2. Roots become woody and inedible

   Causes

   1. Cold stress after germination
   2. Long days
   3. Stress (drought, nutrient deficiency)

   Prevention

   1. Choose bolt-resistant varieties
   2. Consistent watering
   3. Sow at the correct time
2. Slugholzige-wurzeln

   Name

   Woody Roots

   Symptoms

   1. Hard, fibrous texture of roots
   2. Less juiciness and flavor

   Causes

   1. Irregular watering
   2. Too high temperatures
   3. Over-maturity (harvested too late)

   Prevention

   1. Water consistently
   2. Harvest on time
   3. Mulch
3. Slugrissige-wurzeln

   Name

   Cracking Roots

   Symptoms

   1. Longitudinal cracks in the roots

   Causes

   1. Sudden heavy watering after drought
   2. Irregular watering

   Prevention

   1. Consistent watering
   2. Mulch
4. Slugschlechte-keimung

   Name

   Poor Germination

   Symptoms

   1. Few or no seedlings emerge

   Causes

   1. Too cold soil
   2. Too dry soil
   3. Old seeds
   4. Sown too deep

   Prevention

   1. Sow at optimal soil temperature
   2. Keep soil moist
   3. Use fresh seeds
   4. Correct sowing depth

Many problems can be avoided through optimal site conditions, careful care, and choosing suitable varieties.

1. Leaf-eating insects (beet leaf miner, flea beetles)
2. Sucking insects (aphids)
3. Soil-dwelling pests (wireworms)

1. Leaf diseases (Cercospora, downy mildew, rust)
2. Root diseases (root rot)

1. Adhere to crop rotation
2. Promote healthy, vigorous plants through optimal site and soil conditions
3. Ensure adequate plant spacing for good air circulation
4. Choose resistant varieties
5. Regularly inspect for first signs of pests and diseases
6. Garden hygiene (removing plant debris)
7. Encourage beneficial insects

When problems arise, it's important to observe symptoms closely, check growing conditions (soil, water, temperature), and consider recent care practices to narrow down the cause.

1. Slugbeet-leaf-miner

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Warm, dry periods
   2. Weeds nearby

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Insect netting
   2. Weed control
   3. Crop rotation

   Organic control

   1. Remove and destroy affected leaves
   2. Squash larvae in mines
2. Slugcercospora-leaf-spot

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Warm, humid weather
   2. Dense planting

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Adequate plant spacing
   3. Resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Remove affected leaves
   2. Plant strengtheners (e.g., horsetail tea)
3. Slugboron-deficiency

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Alkaline soils (pH > 7)
   2. Drought
   3. Calcareous soils

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Growing points
   3. Young leaves

   Prevention

   1. Check soil pH
   2. Adequate water supply
   3. Incorporate compost

   Organic control

   1. Careful application of borax solution (after soil analysis)
   2. Seaweed meal
4. Slugbolting

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Cold snap after warm period
   2. Long days
   3. Plant stress

   Affected parts

   1. Entire plant
   2. Root

   Prevention

   1. Choose bolt-resistant varieties
   2. Sow at optimal time
   3. Consistent cultivation practices

   Organic control

   1. No direct control, prevention only
5. Slugcracking-roots

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Irregular watering
   2. Sudden heavy rainfall after drought

   Affected parts

   1. Root

   Prevention

   1. Consistent soil moisture
   2. Mulching

   Organic control

   1. No direct control, prevention only
6. Slugaphids

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Warm, dry weather
   2. Weak plants

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Shoot tips

   Prevention

   1. Encourage beneficial insects
   2. Companion planting
   3. Plant strengthening

   Organic control

   1. Rinse with water
   2. Neem oil
   3. Soapy water

1. Symptom

   Tunnels or light spots in leaves

   Possible causes

   1. beet-leaf-miner

   First checks

   1. Hold leaves up to light to spot larvae
   2. Check plants for small flies
2. Symptom

   Small, round, brown spots with red margins on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. cercospora-leaf-spot

   First checks

   1. Check humidity and ventilation
   2. Inspect older leaves first
3. Symptom

   Black spots inside the root (black heart), distorted leaves

   Possible causes

   1. boron-deficiency

   First checks

   1. Check soil pH
   2. Conduct soil test
   3. Review watering history
4. Symptom

   Premature formation of a flower stalk, woody roots

   Possible causes

   1. bolting

   First checks

   1. Check weather history (cold snaps)
   2. Verify variety for bolt resistance
   3. Sowing date
5. Symptom

   Longitudinal cracks in the roots

   Possible causes

   1. cracking-roots

   First checks

   1. Check watering history (sudden changes)
   2. Monitor soil moisture
6. Symptom

   Sticky leaves, distorted shoot tips, small insect colonies

   Possible causes

   1. aphids

   First checks

   1. Inspect undersides of leaves and young shoots closely
7. Symptom

   Small holes in leaves (shot-hole effect)

   Possible causes

   1. erdflöhe

   First checks

   1. Check young plants for small, jumping beetles
8. Symptom

   Wilting plants, feeding tunnels in roots

   Possible causes

   1. drahtwuermer
   2. wurzelfaeule

   First checks

   1. Carefully expose roots and check for larvae or rot
   2. Check soil moisture and drainage
9. Symptom

   Yellowish spots on upper leaf surface, grey-violet fungal growth on underside of leaves

   Possible causes

   1. falscher-mehltau

   First checks

   1. Check humidity and ventilation
   2. Inspect undersides of leaves closely
10. Symptom

    Rust-colored pustules on leaves and stems

    Possible causes

    1. ruebenrost

    First checks

    1. Check older leaves for small, raised pustules

1. Germination (Spring)
2. Leaf and root growth (Summer/Autumn of 1st year)
3. Overwintering (Winter of 1st year)
4. Bolting and flowering (Spring/Summer of 2nd year)
5. Seed maturation (Late Summer/Autumn of 2nd year)

Beetroot is a biennial plant. In the first year, it forms the edible root and leaves. In the second year, it bolts, flowers, and produces seeds.

June - August (in 2nd year)

Inconspicuous, greenish flower clusters on a tall flower stalk.

Wind pollination, partly insect pollination

June - November

Carefully pull or dig roots from the soil. Leaves can be cut individually or as a whole.

Young roots are more tender and sweeter, while larger roots are suitable for storage. Leaves can be harvested as greens while they are young and tender.

Continuously for young leaves and small roots; main harvest for storage roots in autumn.

1. Roots have reached desired size (often 5-10 cm diameter)
2. A small portion of the root is visible above ground
3. Leaves are vigorous and healthy

Cut leaves about 2-3 cm above the root crown to prevent the root from bleeding. Gently brush off soil, do not wash. Discard damaged roots.

Store in a cool, dark, and moist place, e.g., in a box with damp sand in a cellar or root clamp.

4-6 months

Roots should be undamaged, and leaves removed before storage to extend shelf life. High humidity prevents drying out.

Root vegetable storage (cool, dark, moist)

Fresh: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Stored: 4-6 months in cellar/root clamp; Frozen: up to 12 months

1. Pickling (vinegar, spices)
2. Freezing (cooked and diced)
3. Juicing
4. Drying (chips)

1. Boiling
2. Roasting
3. Steaming
4. Juicing
5. Pickling

1. Salads
2. Soups
3. Juices
4. Pickled Beetroot
5. Beetroot Chips

Beetroot is versatile and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Its intense color often remains after cooking.

1. Grated raw in salads
2. Cooked as a side dish or in soups
3. Roasted as oven vegetables
4. Juiced for beverages
5. Pickled as a preserve
6. Leaves as a spinach substitute

Earthy, sweet, slightly tart

1. Goat cheese
2. Walnuts
3. Oranges
4. Horseradish
5. Apple
6. Feta

Wear gloves when preparing to avoid staining. Cook beetroot with the skin on to better retain its color. The leaves can be steamed like spinach.

1. Root (taproot)
2. Leaves

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be problematic in large quantities for sensitive individuals. Consuming beetroot can lead to a harmless red discoloration of urine and stools (beeturia).

Yes, both the roots and young leaves can be eaten raw, e.g., grated in salads.

Late summer to autumn of the 2nd year

Seed heads turn brown and dry. Cut entire stalks and allow them to dry further in a dry, airy place. Seeds can then be rubbed off by hand.

Store dry, cool, and dark in airtight containers. Shelf life: 3-5 years.

Wind-pollinated, partly insect-pollinated

At least 800 meters from other Beta vulgaris varieties (beetroot, chard, sugar beet, fodder beet) to prevent cross-pollination.

For good genetic diversity, at least 10-20 plants should be used for seed saving.

High with all other varieties of Beta vulgaris (chard, sugar beet, fodder beet), as they belong to the same species.

Beetroot is biennial, meaning seeds are harvested in the second year after sowing. To obtain true-to-type seeds, strict isolation from other Beta vulgaris plants is essential.

Beetroot is not a woody plant and therefore does not require specific details regarding woody varieties, rootstocks, or pruning systems.

Beetroot is primarily wind-pollinated, but some insects may visit. The leaves provide food for certain caterpillar species, but it is not a primary food source for garden wildlife.