Red Beet D'Egypte - beet seeds

Beta vulgaris

Beetroot is a biennial vegetable that was bred from Mediterranean wild beet. The bulbs contain 7–10% carbohydrates, 2% fibre, plenty of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, sodium and a whole range of organic acids such as tartaric and malic acid.

Beetroot leaves can be eaten as a leafy salad. It can be prepared in many ways.

How to Grow Beetroot

• Requires a bright location, full sun is not a problem. Adequate soil moisture is important. During the growing season, loosen the soil and remove weeds.

• Sow seeds directly in their permanent location from April to June. Seeds should be planted 2–3 cm deep, with spacing of 30×10–15 cm. After germination, seedlings need to be thinned out.

• Medium-heavy soil full of nutrients is suitable. This soil should be humus-rich and slightly alkaline.

• Do not fertilise with organic fertilisers as it accumulates nitrates in the root. During the growing season, provide sufficient nutrients through continuous fertilisation with complex NPK fertiliser with micronutrients, especially boron.

• Plants are attacked by poppy aphid and beet leaf miner, and the most common disease is leaf spot.

• Harvest beetroot in autumn before winter frosts. Clean it thoroughly before storage.