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.
Beta vulgaris 'Red Hawk' is a fast-growing beetroot with a high sugar content, making it perfect for roasting or eating raw in salads. 'Red Hawk' shows good resistance to mildew and drought.
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Beta ‘Red hawk’ and wildlife
Beta ‘Red hawk’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.