Plant Description
Beetroot is a biennial plant. During the first year which it is normally harvested it produces heart shaped leaves on a short stem of 10 to 15 cm and the swollen roots called the beet for which it is mainly planted. During the second year of growth, if left in the ground it will flower and produce seed.Uses
The beetroot leaves can be cooked and make a tasty spinach alternative and are rich in vitamin A. The beet is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They can be cooked and eaten warm or cold as a salad. They are also juiced.Soil Requirements and Preparation
Sandy Loam soils are best. Soils should be deep with a well-drained profile. Heavy clay soils are better avoided. Acid soils with pH below 6 are not suitable.
Ideal soil pH is between 6.2 and 6.8. Beets like soils with high organic matter. Soils should be ploughed, cleaned and levelled before planting. At this time composts and manure can be ploughed in and soil should be mixed to about 300 mm deep.
The area that is to be planted can be ridged either by hand or mechanically. Ridges should be 1200 mm wide and between 200 and 250 mm high. Ridges must be flat topped to form the raised bed that is to be planted.
Climate
Beetroot is a cool climate vegetable which does best at temperatures of 14°C to 20°C. Growth and development of the beets is retarded at temperatures of below 5°C and above 26°C.
They can survive mild frost but this damages the foliage and therefore stunts growth and development of the beet underground.
By Louise Brodie