Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Beetroot, Beta vulgaris, is easy to grow and makes the perfect crop for 'beginner' gardeners. Roots are usually cylindrical or globe-shaped, and range in colour from darkest purple-red to pink, yellow and even white. Harvest them when they are young – no bigger than a golf ball – and eat them pickled, roasted, or grated and used in salads. Don't forget the leaves, which can also be harvested – use young greens in salads and older ones blanched like spinach.
Dating from 1840, heirloom variety Beta vulgaris 'Bull's Blood' produces deep red-purple edible leaves and small, tasty beets which are best harvested when they're 7cm (3in) in size. The plants do best in well-drained, rich soil (not freshly manured) and can even be grown in pots: at 5cm (2in) spacing for small beets, it's possible to fit several plants into the smallest space. It's a thirsty plant, particularly if grown in pots, and needs extra water during dry periods to reduce the likelihood of bolting.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
yes
Beta ‘Bull's blood’ and wildlife
Beta ‘Bull's blood’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Beta ‘Bull's blood’ poisonous?
Beta ‘Bull's blood’ has no toxic effects reported.
